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Robert Lyon Obituary
84, of Strasburg, and a well-known Band Director and Music Teacher in the area died Thursday, November 7, 2013 in the Park Village Health Care Center at Dover. Born August 5, 1929 in Uniontown, Pennsylvania he was a son of the late Edgar and Anna Mae Blair Lyon. Bob received his Bachelors of Music Education degree from Westminster College in 1951 and earned his Masters of Music Education degree in 1959 from the University of Colorado in Boulder. He started his professional career at Strasburg High School as a Music Teacher and Band Director for the next 20 years finally retiring in 1990 from Dover High School as their Music Teacher and Band Director after 16 years of service. Not only did Bob teach music, but he also enjoyed playing as well. Throughout the years he was a member of the Lou Woods Orchestra, Recollections and was the Director of the Dominic Greco Band for 15 years. He was a member of the American School Band Directors Association, Ohio Music Education Association where he served as District President and Adjudicator, and was elected to the Ohio Band Directors Conference Hall of Fame in 1996. Bob was also a member of St. John United Church of Christ in Strasburg and proudly served his country during the Korean War from 1951 to 1954.
A wonderful and loving husband, father and grandfather, Bob will be sadly missed by his wife of 60 years, Nancy Zangrilli Lyon whom he married on June 6, 1953; children, Jennifer (Jeff) Weisman of Columbus and Michael (Dannielle) Lyon of Dover; brother, Richard Lyon of Pennsylvania; granddaughter, Ella; step grandsons, Aaron, Justin, Ethan and Shane Weisman; nephews, Ralph, Jeff, Blair and Stuart and nieces, Jeanine and Debbie.
Cremation has been entrusted to the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home and Crematory at Dover. A memorial service celebrating Bob's life will be held on Monday, Nov. 11 at 2 p.m. in the St. John United Church of Christ at Strasburg with Rev. Gary Friend officiating. Friends can call at the church one-hour prior to the service on Monday. Those wishing to express their fondest memories of Bob may do so by visiting the on line obituaries and flowers link on the funeral homes website. Memorial contributions may be made to the Organ Fund at St. John United Church of Christ 516 N. Wooster Ave., Strasburg, Ohio 44680.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Lyon
Brenda Norris-Steigerwald
December 8, 2013
Tiger Bob was a great band director. He took me under his wing when I was in the 7th. grade,and believe me it was a very great time in my life. He put up with me and the other clarinet players till we graduated in 1967. We all loved him and will miss him very much, but even though he has departed from us he will live on in all our hearts. God Bless Mr.Lyon..........He is now a special angel that will look down upon us forever.
Jason Conley
November 14, 2013
A deep "thank you" I send to the wonderful friend I had in middle school who taught me to really begin to appreciate and understand music. Mr. Lyon was not only was a dutiful, passionate, and helpful instructor, but also such a great confidant that we could take a minute out of our private lessons in one of the separate band rooms to have an occasional chat about our lives. My future, musically, as well as my passion for band now, I owe to the Mr. Bob Lyon. Thanks for the many musical and life lessons you taught; your passion will truly live on in your students. To the Lyon family, and the great guy himself, I wish the best.
Donna Kelley
November 13, 2013
Mr Lyon was a great musician and shared his passion being a great director teaching students I had him in the 70's at Strasburg my condolences to his family he will be missed
November 12, 2013
Mrs. Lyon and Family, Sending my sympathy. I was a band student of Mr. Lyon in the 60's. Through his passion for the music he taught self-discipline, dedication, good-sportsmanship and respect. Such an inspiration to his students. Kay Austin Dottavio
Cindy Gardner Tatsumi
November 11, 2013
To the family of Mr. Lyon, I was so saddened to learn today of the passing of Mr. Lyon. Please accept my deepest condolences. He touched so many students'lives! He was my favorite teacher and I spent more time in the band room than any place else all during high school! He taught me to play the flute in 5th grade and I played in the Strasburg band until I graduated in 1972. I loved everything about the band, all thanks to the love of music and true professionalism that Mr. Lyon expressed through his teaching. He was a perfectionist. I can still see him standing on the podium or on the sidelines of the football field, blowing his whistle to the marching band! He will be sorely missed.
Debbie, John and Joshua Barr
November 11, 2013
I was so blessed to share Monday's and Thursday's with Mr. Lyon when he came to New Philadelphia to give private lessons to our students. He enjoyed teaching students of all ages and sharing his love of music. I will always remember our "lunches" together - soup and a toasted cheese sandwich and a can of Mountain Dew.
You always asked how Josh was doing and encouraged him as he pursued his dream of becoming a Music Educator. Josh thoroughly enjoyed performing with you in the Greco Band as well as Recollections...and not to mention the Sousa Bands! Great memories!!!
Rest in Peace our dear friend. Our family has been blessed to have known you.
Jack and Norma Shaffer
November 11, 2013
We send our deep sympathy to Nancy and family. We have many fond memories of the time we spent together. Bob was a great colleague, a true gentleman and friend. He will be missed.
Jeff Stockert
November 11, 2013
He inspired all of us learning to play music. Tolerating our adolescent antics. He was a great mentor, and friend! We all could hope to be like him. He will sadly be missed!
Linda (Couts) Salsberry
November 11, 2013
I am still amazed at Mr. Lyon, while at Strasburg, he did it all - from introducing students to instruments to designing drills to preparing the band and individuals for contests. He was a dedicated musician and a gentleman.
Diane Gibb Loomis
November 11, 2013
Mr. Lyon's passion for music was always apparent. I remember him playing in the pit orchestras for the shows while I was in high school. It was fun to watch him direct the Jazz Band at DHS. It was very apparent how much he loved to make music.
Connie Arney
November 11, 2013
I hold such fond memories of Mr.Lyon.He taught me how to play the bells and tympani starting in 6th grade. So He was my director for 7 years. He was so talented, kind, and wise. He knew how to get a whole bunch of rowdy kids to do what they never dreamed they could. Thank you Mr. Lyon, you will never be forgotten. My deepest sympathy goes out to his family.
Victoria Eaton
November 11, 2013
My deepest sympathies on Mr. Lyon's passing. He always encouraged me to do my best, even though I was in orchestra and not in band. He was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed.
Misty Lewis
November 11, 2013
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
david and donicka smitley
November 10, 2013
We send prayers to family during tough times.love you mike
Douglas Wagner
November 10, 2013
Mr. Lyon was an incredible educator, musician, person, and colleague. I enjoyed "picking his brain" with woodwind questions and technique. I always marveled at his musicianship , playing skills and his humble approach to his musical skills. Rest in Peace, Mr. Lyon
April Linard
November 10, 2013
Bob was an excellent musician and teacher. I had the great honor of playing in the Dominic Greco band with him for the past few years. He will be sadly missed. I am praying for your family.
gwenevere malcuit
November 10, 2013
My best memories of school are of red and grey band at dover high. Mr. Lyon was an amazing teacher and an inspiration to hundreds of children. He has left an incredible legacy, one set to beautiful music.
Judy Booth Fisher
November 10, 2013
What a dedicated teacher! Bob Lyon was immensely respected by his students and colleagues. How fortunate we were to have known him.
Lloyd Ringley
November 10, 2013
Bob Lyon,excellent musician,colleague,close friend.Bob helped me with support and guidance when I first started as a band director,a debt that is impossible to repay. Good - bye friend.
Shannon McKee-Trego
November 10, 2013
Mr. Lyon was such a wonderful teacher. He instilled his love of music in all his students. We are all better for having learned so much from Bob Lyon. Thoughts and prayers to the Lyon family.
Jessie Makepeace
November 10, 2013
So sorry for your loss. Bob was a wonderful teacher and band mate. I could listen to him play his clarinet for hours. He was a great influence and will be missed very much. Prayers for the family at this tough time.
John Lehigh
November 10, 2013
Sorry about your loss
Daun McGrath-Cespedes
November 10, 2013
My heart goes out to you....Sending my Deepest Sympathy and keeping you in my thoughts and prayers
Michele Coss
November 10, 2013
Sorry for your loss. I have so many fond memories of Mr. Lyon as my band teacher. He will be sadly missed as he touched so many lives.
Chrysanthe Vassiles
November 10, 2013
My fondest memory of Mr. Lyon was my first encounter with him. I wanted to play flute so badly when I joined the Park School band, but I had trouble mastering it. He suggested I try the clarinet, but being the stubborn person I was, I refused. Eventually, I mastered it, became first chair, and can remember him coaching my flute trio for solo and ensemble contest. What a wonderful teacher he was.
Chrysanthe Vassiles
Marta Vassiles
Becky Doney
November 10, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. I will never forget him. Such a great music teacher. May God give you comfort during this difficult time.
Thomas Hall
November 10, 2013
My family and I mourn your loss and send our condolences. My brothers and I played in the band in the 60s and remember Mr. Lyon and those days fondly. What a wonderful man and family! His gifts live on in each of us.
Sally Johnston-Childs
November 10, 2013
He was an inspiration to all of his music students. He was a phenomenal teacher and cared about his students. He will be greatly missed.
Ric Blind
November 10, 2013
One of the best educators ever to teach music in the area. Your talents will be greatly missed.
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Toland-Herzig Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc. - Dover803 N Wooster Ave, Dover, OH 44622
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