Lanny David Lyons

Every family has a story. Welcome to our story of Lanny David Lyons.  On Friday, June 4, 2021, Lanny David Lyons (aged 86) had his heavenly homecoming surrounded by his loving family in Rockwall, Texas.

In January he got the “stupid” Covid. He was in the hospital and rehab for 33 days. The doctors called him “recovered”; however, science now is finding out that “stupid” Covid lingers in little gangs and can attack your body in different ways. Those little gangs ambushed Lanny and returned him to the hospital numerous times. On the Sunday preceding his death, a good and gracious God allowed him to see all his great-grandchildren together, including one he had never met. By his choice on Monday, he enjoyed one of his favorite meals – steak with all the fixin’s. Tuesday brought the return to Texas of his daughter. All amazing gifts from God.

Born December 27, 1934, in Plant City, Florida, Lanny graduated from Summerlin Institute (Bartow, FL) in 1952. After his graduation, he moved to Ohio to work for National Supply for 3 years. He transferred to Gainesville, Texas, in 1955 and met his wife-to-be in the Accounting Department. She was wearing a green dress which just happened to be his favorite color. After an awkward first date where she ordered Brains and Eggs at the Curtwood’s, they were engaged, and married in 1957. He retired in 1986 after working 34 years as Supervisor of Drafting. After retirement, he continued to share his talents with the Gainesville Independent School District as a substitute teacher.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lonnie David Lyons and Ruth Armistead Smith; brother and sister, Robert Lyons and Dorothy Hutto.

Survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Sylvia Jean Lyons.

Children: Pamela Hobbs (Jeff Hobbs), and David Lyons (Elizabeth Lyons)

Grandchildren: Daniel Hobbs and Kelsie Ludwig; Thomas and Jordan Hobbs; Robert and Shannon Lyons; and Tyler Lyons

Six great-grandchildren: Jayden, Coralei, and Liora Hobbs; and Emma Lee, Lilly and Ava Lyons

He lived a great life as a draftsman designing many things, a deacon in his church, a servant to his community, officiating Friday night football games and so much more. Lanny was an amazing husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and wore them all as a badge of honor. His servanthood included the following:

Gainesville Masonic Lodge #210 (Past Worshipful Master – raised 1964)

32⁰ Mason

Scottish Rite

Former member of Kiwanis Gainesville

Former member of First Baptist Church Gainesville (52 years)

Deacon of First Baptist Church Gainesville (29 years)

Chairman of Deacons First Baptist Church Gainesville (2 years)

Member of First Baptist Church Collinsville, TX

Elm Fork Valley Scottish Rite Club

Former Member of Petroleum Institute

Southwest Football Officials Association

Our family would like to extend a heart-felt thanks to Trinity Hospice. While dying is hard, they made his death easy.  With incredible care and love, they allowed the family to be family while taking on the final responsibility of Lanny’s care.  Thank you, Amanda and Heather, and especially, Tiffany, Jean Claude, Chanel, and Ike.

Private family celebration will be followed by visitation for extended family and friends on Thursday, June 10 ^th , 3:00 – 4:00 p.m., in the Chapel of Geo. J. Carroll Funeral Home, located in Gainesville, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, Lanny wished any donations to go to one of the following:

• Ft. Worth Scottish Rite Foundation, Inc. https://fortworthscottishrite.org/
• First Baptist Church Collinsville https://www.fbccollinsville.com/