LYONS, Raymond Francis

Published by The Miner on May 22, 2026 - Kingman, Arizona - Raymond Francis Lyons, born Dec. 16, 1938, in Bernard, Iowa, passed away on May 15, 2026, in Fountain Hills, Arizona, due to complications from kidney failure. Raymond was reunited with his beloved wife, Sandra, just nine days after her passing. “Ray” grew up on a farm as one of eight children in a devoted Irish Catholic family that remained close throughout their lives. After an honorable discharge from the Army, Ray began his career in the trucking industry and moved to Davenport, Iowa. There, he met the love of his life, Sandra Heinrich. Together they shared 59 years of marriage and raised three children. A dedicated employee, Ray was a Teamster with ABF trucking company for over 40 years and was selected for its Nationwide Road Team four times. ABF moved Ray and his family to Kingman, Arizona, where they lived for 45 years and became deeply involved in the community. Ray was a City Councilman for two terms, served as a volunteer in multiple arenas including the hospital, food bank, an election official, County Fair board, and the catholic church. He was a member of the Elks and the Moose clubs. He wrote letters to the editor championing for the betterment of the town. He was a proud Knights of Columbus member for 68 years and was a Grand Knight of the Year. A loving husband, father, and grandfather, he arranged many wonderful family outings and events. He had a talent for planning memorable trips, stopping at all the major tourist sites. He visited all 50 states and several countries with his wife Sandy. Ray loved attending professional sporting events, including regular season games, college bowl games, spring training, Super Bowls, and even the Olympics. He was a loyal, lifelong Cubs fan. Ray was an avid collector whose most treasured items were the ticket stubs he meticulously saved from every event he attended. Ray was preceded in death by his wife, Sandy. Ray is survived by his son Jeff (Maggie) Lyons with grandchildren Abigail (Josh), Bernadette, Maille, Brendan, Jane, and Nola; daughter Stacy (Todd) Weatherly with grandchildren Jordan (Megan) and Alex (Joe); daughter Ashli Lyons; Spanish daughter Coro (Joaquin); and four great-grandchildren. Brother Joe (Barb) Lyons; sister Linda (Mike) Mullinex; in-laws Helen, Kathy, Dave, Erland, Mary, and many nieces and nephews. Funeral Mass June 4, 2026, St. Bernards Catholic Church Scottsdale, AZ.