Johnny Foster Lyon

Johnny Foster Lyon Memorial services for Johnny Foster Lyon, 73, of Bryan, Texas are scheduled for 3:00 p.m. Monday, December 6, 2010 beginning at 12:00 noon at the Texas Hall of Fame in Bryan, Texas. The service will be followed with a military burial service at Providence Baptist Cemetery. Dr. Malcolm Bane will officiate both ceremonies. The services will be under the care and direction of Strickland Funeral Homes of Caldwell, Texas. Mr. Lyon passed away peacefully, surrounded by loving family and friend in his home in Bryan, Texas following a courageous year-long battle with cancer on November 28, 2010 on a beautiful Sunday morning. Johnny Lyon was a model of grace under pressure, he handled an extremely challenging year with courage, dignity, and determination. He remained a "Fightin' Texas Aggie" to the end. Johnny was born on January 17, 1937 to Johnnie R. Lyon and Louise Margaret Warlick Lyon, in Bryan, Texas. He was the absolute apple of his folks' eye, and he managed to live a life of accomplishments that clearly illustrated their admiration and confidence in him was justified. The life lessons his parents imparted to him were cherished and often repeated by Johnny. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Billy John Lyon, and a son, John Ross Lyon. He is survived by his wife, Suzy Joseph Lyon; and two daughters, Terrilyn Lyon Seale and her husband Todd and Amber Lyon Clowe and her husband Duncan and their two children, Emerson and Parker Clowe. Johnny served in the USAF from 1960 - 1981 as an Air Force Pilot, serving in Vietnam and retired as a Lt. Colonel. He also served at Officer Training School, at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Texas, imparting maturity, wisdom, and leadership to all he commanded. Upon his return from the Air Force he built and opened The Texas Hall of Fame, along with lifelong friend Paul Emola. The Texas Hall of Fame continues today as the premier live country music venue in the Bryan-College Station area. When he was not busy with all the jobs on his own plate, he operated his father's beloved ranch between Snook and Caldwell, Texas. Johnny graduated from Texas A&M University (Class of 1959) with a bachelor's degree in business administration. He later attended Sam Houston State University and earned a secondary teaching certificate. Johnny was a life member of Sigma Chi. Johnny Lyon had a little saying, "It's not what you make, it's what you don't spend." And although he was widely known for his frugality, he was the most generous man in Texas, having helped many, many friends, family and his community in their time of need. In this spirit of wise spending, the family respectfully asks that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to Providence Baptist Church and Brazos Valley Hospice Care. He would greatly appreciate any assistance these two fine organizations would receive in his memory. Johnny Lyon was a lifelong entertainer, with his beloved Country Nu Notes he made the rounds all over Texas and for many of the musicians and fans that adored him, the music stopped on November 28, 2010. Visit his website to learn more of the man and his music. www.johnnylyon.com Simply stated: we have lost a man of character, who possessed a million special talents and exhibited splendid behavior throughout his life. He was absolutely wonderful. The family wishes to acknowledge the support, friendship and love shared with Johnny Lyon by his dear friends, Joe and Judy Powell. No two people could ever have provided more comfort, assistance, and love than them, They helped provide "the peace that passes all understanding". God bless them both for their love and dedication. Please visit our website at www.stricklandfuneralhomes.com