John Anthony Lyons

John Anthony Lyons, lifelong Walla Walla resident, passed away on April 16, 2013 at home. John was born on April 1, 1920 to Harriet Denzel and Joseph W. Lyons, the sixth of twelve children. John served in the US Navy as a fireman first class during WW II. He returned home to Walla Walla to farm for his father, and later with his brothers, Joe and Bill. Following retirement, John worked for several of his farmer friends and then farmed with his sons.

John met Geraldine Elizabeth Farrell in New York on one of his business trips. John and Gerry corresponded for a year before marrying in Brooklyn, NY on July 11, 1950 at St Ephrem’s Catholic Church. John and Gerry moved to Walla Walla and raised seven children.

John is survived by his seven children and their spouses: John (Jack) and Kathi Lyons of Amarillo, TX; Alice and Woody Armour of Street, MD; Connie and Mike Sobotta of Summerville, SC; Frank and Tonya Lyons, Mike and Susan Lyons, Gerald and Rosanne Lyons all of Walla Walla, WA; and Dr. James and Stephanie Lyons of Moses Lake, WA. John is further survived by twenty grandchildren and six great grandchildren. John is survived by six of his eleven siblings, Bill, Rita, Mary, Stephanie, Denise and Monica. John is also survived by his second wife, Jackie Long Lyons with whom he enjoyed nearly ten years together.

John was involved in the Knights of Columbus, VFW, the Elks Club and he was a founding member of Assumption Catholic Church. John supported the Catholic Schools in Walla Walla. He was a loyal supporter of DeSales High School sports for both the boys and girls and enjoyed watching his grandchildren participate in their events.

The family is grateful to Ivan and Charlotte Taylor, whose care allowed John to remain at home during his final months.

Viewing & visitation will be held on Sunday, April 21, 2013 from 1:00 PM until after the Rosary at the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla, WA. The Rosary will recited on Sunday, April 21, 2013 at 6:00 PM at the Herring Funeral Home with Father Paul Cochran officiating. The Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, April 22, 2013 at 11:00 AM at Assumption Catholic Church with Father Paul Cochran, Celebrant. Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the “Lemon Drop Scholarship Fund” at Assumption Grade School, DeSales Catholic School or charity of choice through the funeral home.