Gregory P. Lykens

Master Sergeant, Gregory P. Lykens, USAF (Ret.)
April 29, 1935 - January 14, 2026

Gregory P. Lykens, 90, of Bellefonte, passed away on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at Mount Nittany Medical Center in State College. Born on April 29, 1935, in Port Matilda, he was the son of the late George M. and Margaret (Pringle) Lykens. On November 26, 1956, he married his beloved wife, Shirley (Kimberling) Lykens, who survives at home after sharing 69 years of marriage together.

In June 1952, Gregory joined the United States Air Force. He was a member of the Air Force Drum and Bugle Corps while stationed at Bolling Air Force Base in Washington, D.C. and was a musical director for the Drum and Bugle Corps at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, TX. Gregory was then stationed at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO where he was the Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge. He assembled the first Air Force Academy Cadet Drum and Bugle Corps. Gregory wrote numerous musical arrangements during his service in the Drum and Bugel Corps for marches and performances for multiple U.S. Presidents, Queen Elizabeth, and Foreign Dignitaries over multiple Tours of Duty to Europe and Central Asia. Gregory was honored to have the opportunity to perform at many National Parades, State Fairs, and College and Professional sporting events. Gregory was also a music instructor to members of the Drum and Bugle Corps. He retired from the U.S. Air Force in June 1973. Gregory went on to work in the field of finance for 27 years until his retirement in 2000.

Gregory was an avid golfer who was hard to beat. He enjoyed teaching and playing music and traveling with his wife. He played taps on his bugle for Veterans' funerals, National Military Holidays and special Military ceremonies. Gregory was a life member of the F&AM Lodge #268 in Bellefonte and a member of the American Legion Post #33 in Bellefonte. In September 2021 Gregory was a special guest of honor at the US Air Force Falcon Stadium halftime ceremony celebrating the United States Air Force Academy Cadet Drum and Bugle Corps' 50th Anniversary of the founding of THE FLIGHT OF SOUND.

In addition to his wife, Shirley, he is survived by their children, Gregory P. Lykens, II (Sharon), Gunnery Sgt. Jason Lykens, USMC (Ret.) (Paula), Denise Sprout, and Janice Foster (Randy), six grandchildren, Tyson Lykens, Matthew Sprout, Tyler Lykens, Amber Molash, Sage Lykens (Cody), Jacob Foster (Bethany), and Glenn Foster, and five great granddaughters, Madison Lykens, Annabell Molash, Sarah Foster, and twin girls (Foster) due in May.

Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his siblings, Blair Lykens, Johnson Lykens, Wanda Johnson, Dallas Lykens, Mike Lykens, and Sandra Weisback. He was the last of his generation.

The funeral and burial services will be held privately at the convenience of the family.