Gerald Dean Lyon was born August 4, 1931 in Oklahoma City, OK, the fourth of five children of James Edwin and Nona Landrum Lyon. He married Rebecca May Saxon in 1953 and in 1954 joined the United States Army where he received training as a helicopter pilot. The first person in his family to attend college, he eventually earned a master’s degree in aerospace management from the University of Southern California. In addition to numerous state-side assignments, he had overseas postings in Panama, Korea, and Vietnam, earning a Distinguished Flying Cross for valor during the Vietnam conflict. After 13 years of active duty, he entered civil service and the Army Reserve to complete a career in military service.

Jerry’s life personified hard work, faith in God, and doing the right thing, even when it was costly. He served his church in numerous lay leadership roles at both local and district levels and contributed sacrificially to multiple church programs. Jerry was also active in Gideons International and Habitat for Humanity.

Jerry and Becky loved to travel, and were blessed to see much of the world together. A hallmark of his personality was his mischievous sense of humor and his love of jokes and wordplay. He excelled at crossword puzzles, Scrabble, and writing poetry; he also enjoyed chess and other board games.

Jerry’s optimism, sociability, and faith combined in his love for people. He was drawn to children and they to him. He always encouraged others in their aspirations and ambitions, assuring them that they could do anything they put their mind to.

Jerry deeply loved his wife of 63 years, and was a proud and doting father to his daughters, two of whom followed in his footsteps in military careers. He is survived by his wife Rebecca Saxon Lyon, daughters Janice Lyon Lee (Durk), Patricia Lyon Mokhtarian (Hector, deceased), Deborah Sue Lyon, longtime adopted daughter Marghani (Gina) Reever, grandchildren Nathan Andrew Lee, Rebecca June Lee, and Jennifer Catherine Lee, sister Wanda Lyon Huffstetler (Herman, deceased), numerous in-laws whom he loved as his own family, and nieces, nephews and their descendants on both sides.

A Celebration of Life will begin 2PM, Saturday, July 30, 2016 at Lighthouse Church of the Nazarene at 1249 Girvin Road, Jacksonville, FL 32225. In lieu of flowers, donations to Gideons International would be welcome.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Arlington Park Funeral Home, 6920 Lone Star Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32211 (904) 724-6384.

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