RIchard David Lyon Obituary (2024)

Richard David (Dick) Lyon joyfully went to be with His Savior, Jesus Christ, on May 5, 2024 after an arduous battle with kidney failure in Yakima, Washington at 80 years of age. Dick was born in Tacoma, WA on July 31, 1943 to Victor Howard (Mickey) and Georgiabelle (Partch) Lyon. He was the eldest child of four siblings, and was raised in Sunnyside, WA by a family rich in Godly heritage. As a young child, he trusted Christ and began learning to serve Him. The Grace Brethren Church was his training ground, as he enjoyed youth activities and sang in the choir. Always an excellent student, he played the trumpet in band, and participated in sports at Sunnyside High School, where he graduated with the class of 1961. WSU was his next adventure as he prepared to become an educator, majoring in history and social studies. During high school and college years, his life-long friend, Judy Fisher, became his sweetheart. He liked to tell people that they met "when he was two, and she was new!" They literally grew up together, and married on April 9, 1966. To their delight, they recently celebrated their 58th Wedding Anniversary. Their life together began in Marysville, WA, where Dick taught at the Junior High School, and subsequently on the inaugural faculty at Pilchuck High School, where he was also the varsity swim coach. During those happy years, they were active in the Marysville First Baptist Church under the ministry of Pastor Joe Kopp. As their faith and vision grew, so too did their family, as Sara Jane and David Andrew were born. In 1973, West Side Baptist Church in Yakima called Dick and his young family to come into ministry by starting a Christian school. Then known as West Side Christian School, it now continues to prosper as Riverside Christian School, celebrating its 50th Anniversary. Their third child, Richard Victor (Rick) Lyon soon joined the family. After many years at WSCS, Dick was led to re-enter public education, and completed his teaching career of 47 years by teaching several decades at Harrison Middle School in Sunnyside, WA. The hundreds of students he mentored, both in the Christian and public schools, remember him as a fun-loving teacher who held them to a high standard. The Yakima years have been filled with fun and friends! Dick sang tenor for many years in a Gospel quartet with his dear buddies from West Side Church. He played basketball on church league teams, was a member of the fantastic West Side Choir, singing (and even dancing) his way through countless performances of An Evening in December. He rooted on the Mariners and the Seahawks (through good and bad), and was a fan of Bugs Bunny. He knew and loved missionaries from all over the world, and was instrumental in orchestrating conferences for many years to encourage their ministry. But by far, his greatest legacy was as a Godly and faithful husband, father and grandfather. He lived to serve the Lord, and raised his children to do the same. His quiet faith and personal convictions were unwavering. Though he would be the first to say he was not perfect, his family experienced his love and devotion every day of their lives. They learned to revere God, love others, and reach out to those around them by his example. His eight grandchildren brought him untold joy, and he delighted in their accomplishments. He will be cheering them on from Heaven, and our delight will be to see him again one day when our races are complete. Preceding him in death are his parents, Mickey and Georgiabelle Lyon; his mother-in-law, Theone Fisher; his brother-in-law, Craig Fisher; his nephew, Byron Lyon; and his niece, Angela Fisher. Surviving Dick are his three younger siblings, Preston (Donna) Lyon, Connie (Stan) Davis, and Ed (Judy) Lyon; his beloved Sweetheart, Judy Lyon; his daughter, Sara (Michael) Beauchamp (Andrew, Zachariah, & Jackson); his son, David (Andrea) Lyon (Natalia & Nathan); and his son, Rick (Amy) Lyon (Hannah & Stephen Vandenberg, Aidan & Phoebe). He is also survived by his treasured in-laws Gene (Linda) Fisher, Kevin (Lorrie) Fisher, Kaylene (Jim) Button and all their beautiful children and grandchildren. A Celebration of Dick's Life and Legacy will be held on Saturday, May 18th at 11:00 AM at West Side Church (6901 Summitview Avenue, Yakima WA). A time of worship preceding the service will feature some of his most beloved songs, beginning at 10:30 AM. You are welcome, as you arrive, to join the family in hearing and even perhaps singing along to these hymns. A live stream of the service will be available at the website: www.westsidechurch.info In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to Riverside Christian School, and can be sent in care of Brookside Funeral Home & Crematory (PO Box 1267, Moxee, WA 98936), who is caring for the family. Online condolences may be left at www.brooksidefuneral.com Memorial Service West Side Church Saturday, May 18, 2024 11:00 AM 6901 Summitview Ave Yakima, WA 98908