BILLY LYCANS passed away in the Huntington Veterans Affairs Medical Center on Saturday, January 28, 2017. Funeral services will be conducted at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 2, 2017, at the Reger Funeral Chapel by Pastor Jerry Matt. Burial will be immediately following at Spring Valley Memory Gardens, Huntington. The American Legion Post 93 of Kenova will conduct graveside military rites. Friends may call from 11:30 a.m. until service time on Thursday at the Reger Funeral Home. Billy was born July 7, 1926, in Wayne County, the son of James Pate Lycans and Georgia Ferguson Lycans. He graduated from Wayne County High School, where he played sports and drums in the marching band. He married his wife Loretta Bentley Lycans on August 31, 1949. They were married thirty-nine years before she passed away on December 14, 1988. Surviving is his only child, Connie Lycans Myers, son-in-law, Terry Lee Myers, and granddaughter Leigh Lycans Myers all of Decatur, Illinois. He leaves behind his girlfriend for more than twenty-five years, Patricia Noble, her granddaughter Tammy Proctor and great-granddaughter Sophia Danielle Proctor. As a young man he worked in the coal mines and sold insurance for National Life Insurance Company, but enjoyed mostly being a contractor and building family homes. Billy was preceded in death by his wife Loretta Bentley Lycans, his father James Pate Lycans, his mother Georgia Ferguson Lycans, and his brother James Pate Lycans. Billy was in World War II stationed in the Philippines and later served in Korean War, being one of the most decorated West Virginians from the Korean War. He has four Purple Hearts, two Bronze Stars and a Silver Star. Billy was a life member of The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and was a Mason with the Crescent Lodge #32 AF&AM of Ceredo. He served as a commander in the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He purchased a VFD building in Wayne County that was being closed so the veterans would continue to have a place to gather. He loved his country and West Virginia. He was also an Eagle Scout and loved to fish and hunt. Billy loved playing music with his band, Billy Lycans and the Spring Valley Boys. He was blessed with the ability to play any instrument he picked up. The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to Dr. Joye Martin and her team, Home Based Primary Care at the Veterans hospital. The team allowed him to stay at home for most of his care. He loved to have them come to the house where he shared stories of his life and experiences.