WILLIAM J. LYONS

William J. Lyons was born October 14, 1940, in Hugo, Colorado. Bill passed away December 19, 2023, after a brief illness. Bill was the second of six children born to Walter F. and Mary C. Lyons. Bill attended school in Genoa, Colorado, from first grade through graduation in 1959.

Following graduation from high school, Bill’s dream was to be a farmer. He had already mastered the art of raising hogs, cattle, and he tolerated chickens! But his goal was to buy some land and become a dry land wheat farmer. He was the happiest when sitting on a tractor planting wheat seed.

In 1978, Bill surprised all who knew him, especially his brother Ted, by marrying Mimi, his wife of 45 years. The small family wedding turned into an event, as people from all over packed the church to witness this marriage. To this union two sons, Thomas and Anthony, were added to the family.

Bill thoroughly enjoyed raising his sons and following their school activities and participation in sports. Needless to say, many hours were spent sitting at football fields, gym bleachers and baseball diamonds all over the eastern Colorado plains.

Bill farmed and ranched until his health made it impossible to work. At the age of 78, he felt he needed to slow it down a bit. So, he and Mimi moved to Oklahoma, settled down and officially retired.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, sister Madonna Allender, brothers Bob, Gerry and Ted. He is survived by his wife Mimi, sons Tom (Lisa) and Tony (Lauren), grandchildren MacKayla, Will, Aubrey and Brynn, brother Dick (Julia), numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Graveside committal services will be held in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Hugo, CO on Saturday, May 25, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. A gathering will be held at the St Anthony’s Catholic Hall immediately following the graveside service. A celebration of Bill’s life was held in Broken Arrow, Ok on December 31, 2023. 

Friends and family can register online condolences and sign the guestbook at www.brownfuneraldirectors.com. Brown Funeral Home in Hugo, CO was entrusted with final arrangements.