During his 87 years, John Lyons became many things to so many people as he walked through life. And what a walk it’s been. There are so many stories. Just ask his kids.
He proudly served in the Army, and after their marriage, John and Mary experienced living in countries they had probably only read about – Japan, Korea and Finland. Those years were challenging, but memorable, and he loved to talk about the people he worked and served with overseas. After retirement, he brought his family home to Nashville, and there he and Mary lived out their years, raising their children and enjoying the privilege of happily growing old together.
The man never met a motor he couldn’t fix, or a lawn mower, or a golf cart, or a washing machine. It’s a good bet that anyone reading this in Nashville, maybe even beyond, has John to thank for a well running car or clean clothes. For many years he ran his car inspection business out of his shop and garage, and most afternoons, he would roll up the doors to that shop so the brightest minds of Nashville could sit and watch the world go by while they solved all the world’s problems, yell at people who drove too fast, gripe about loud rap music, and holler at unleashed dogs. He loved his hometown and could tell you where all the old peach orchards used to be out in the country, and who occupied any given building on Main Street at any given time. There’s not many left now who can do that. Surely someone listened.
He had a certain way with words. All of his kids and grandkids, and many others, are quite proud of the ability to do a great impression of John loudly expressing himself. His children and grandchildren will never forget the sound of his voice. He leaves behind a proud family:
His daughter, Andrea and husband John Schwartz; his son, Tony Lyons and wife Carrie; his son Eddy, and husband John Kazee. Also grandchildren Amanda Schwartz Player and husband Kyle; Greg Schwartz and wife Sarah; Patrick Lyons and Natalie Lyons; and Victor LaLuz, Vera LaLuz and Cyd Laluz. He had one great-grandson, Nolan Player. He also leaves behind a large, loving extended family and friends too numerous to count.
He left us in the early morning hours on Sunday, July 24, 2016, his daughter Andrea by his side, as he took his first steps in his next journey, joining hands with his “beloved bride” Mary waiting patiently in heaven for him since the year before.
The family would like to thank the caring staff at Howard Memorial Hospital for the love and companionship they showed him on his many visits and meals there. And special thanks to Eddie Cobb, Mike Ponder, Stan Lawrence, and James Clemmons for taking extra special care of John.
So many things to so many people. Native son, brother, Scrapper, father, uncle, husband, soldier, veteran, world traveler, toy salesman, air conditioning repairman, mechanic, inspector, father figure, Methodist, comedian, problem solver, giver, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, widower, patient, shining light, good man, one of a kind.
Visitation will be Thursday, July 28 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Nashville Funeral Home. His memorial service will be Friday, July 30 at 2 p.m. at Nashville Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Howard Memorial Hospital Foundation, P.O. Box 381, Nashville, AR 71852.
You may send the family an online sympathy message to http://www.nashvillefh.com./
