LYON, Ralph Wesley (Rev.)

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, AZ - Published Friday, May 27, 2011 - Rev. Ralph Wesley Lyon, 88, passed away May 25, 2011, in Lake Havasu City. He was born on Feb. 18, 1923, in Butte, N.D., to Frank and Florence (Booher) Lyon. Ralph graduated Bible College in 1944, and subsequently was ordained. He moved to Lake Havasu City 37 years ago, coming from Rockford, Ill. Ralph loved his family and friends, and dedicated his life to the ministry, serving local churches over the years in Lake Havasu, and was recently awarded "Man of the Month" by Abundant Grace Church. He worked for McCulloch Corp., and upon his retirement, he served as a security guard at the courthouse as well as driving a school bus transporting athletes to sporting events. As a young man, he achieved the prestigious Eagle Scout rank with Boy Scouts of America. Ralph also was proud to serve as a motorcycle escort for area funerals. He touched many lives and hearts in the Lake Havasu area during the 37 years he lived here as well as the rest of the country. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. His children wish to thank his church for their support through his illness and death as well as the wonderful Hospice staff who cared for him at his home and later at Polidori House. Rev. Ralph is survived by his children, Marlene (John) Habian, of Westmont, Ill., Paul (Sunita) Lyon, of Crystal Lake, Ill., Mark (Pam) Lyon, of Bedford, In., and Roger Lyon, of Elgin, Ill.; brothers, Rev. Donald Lyon and Walter Lyon; sister, Dorothy Hurley; eight grandchildren, several great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Florence; first wife, Claudine; and his wife, Katherine Lyon, who preceded him in death in 1999. Funeral services will be at Abundant Grace Church, 3516 N. McCulloch Blvd. Sunday, at 3 p.m., with Rev. Lan Blair officiating. Donations can be made to the Polidori House, C/O Hospice of Havasu, 365 S. Lake Havasu Ave., LHC, AZ. 86403. Thoughts, memories and condolences can be sent to the family at www.lakehavsumortuary.com. Arrangements are entrusted and under the care of Lake Havasu Mortuary and Crematory.