Obituary
Dennis Lyons,
Sr.
(October 20, 1930 - October 14, 2019)
Dennis Joe Lyons, Sr., 88, of
Lavalette, WV passed away Monday October 14, 2019 at St. Mary’s Hospital in
Huntington, WV. While his earthly family was never going to be ready to say
goodbye, he was at peace and ready to go home to be with his Lord and Savior
Jesus Christ and his beloved wife of 66 years. Funeral services will be
conducted by Pastor Corey Adkins and Pastor Shirley Ball at 1:00 pm on
Thursday, October 17, 2019 at the Reger Funeral Chapel, Huntington. Burial
will follow at Dock’s Creek Cemetery, Kenova, WV. Dennis was born October
20, 1930 in Huntington, WV to John Kenova Lyons and Mary Hart Lyons. Dennis
was a graduate of Ceredo Kenova High School (class of 1948). It is at CK
that he met his beloved Mary Lee, and they were married on December 17,
1948. They would share 66 years together and raise two children, Virginia
and Joe Lyons. Dennis was a very proud member of the Marine Corps and served
in Korea from September 1950-April 1952. While in Korea he earned a Purple
Heart for his service. He remained in the Marine Corps Reserve for over 20
years. Upon his return to civilian life he began working for the C&O
Railroad as an electrician which he enjoyed immensely due to his love and
fascination with trains which began at a very young age. His next career
path led him to work for Novamont/Aristech (Neal Plant) where he was
promoted from electrician to the role of Superintendent of Maintenance. He
was the only superintendent without a college degree, so he enrolled at
Marshall University and in 1993, at the age of 62, he graduated with a
Bachelor's Degree in Business Management. He worked at the plant for over 30
years, and he made many lifelong friends while there. Upon his retirement he
worked as a teacher at the Wayne County Vocational School, and he was
passionate about sharing his knowledge to shape future electricians. His
final career was being an electrician for Saminco. He loved working in the
shop with the guys and being a mentor for them. He worked daily, until last
spring, and he was the oldest practicing electrician in the state of WV.
Dennis was also a dedicated public servant in his community. He was a
founding member of the Lavalette Volunteer Fire Department and served as
chairman of the fire board. He was also a board member for Wayne County 911,
and he was still serving as a board member for the Lavalette Public Service
Dsistrict. Dennis, along with his wife, were faithful and devoted members of
Mount Union United Methodist Church. They were often the first ones to
arrive to prepare the church for services, and he served in many capacities
from Sunday School Teacher to serving on the board of trustees. He loved his
church and his church family. But first and foremost, Dennis will be
remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was
always present and available for his loved ones. He never missed a ballgame,
play, concert, or graduation. He was happiest when surrounded by family in
his home. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Mary Lee
Norman Lyons. He is survived by his brother John K. Lyons and his family.
Children Virginia and Danny Seibert and Joe and Leslie Lyons. Grandchildren
Brian Seibert, Meghan and Jerry Stevens, Jacob Lyons, and Jillian Lyons.
Great grand children Avery and Jase Stevens. He is also survived by longtime
caregivers and friends Dreama and Frank Darst and Becke and Dustin Walker.
He is survived by a multitude of extended family members , loving friends,
co-workers, and church family. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be
made to Mount Union United Methodist Church-Huntington. Friends and family
may call from 6-8 pm on Wednesday, October 16, 2019 at the Reger Funeral
Home.
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