William Howard "Bill" Lyons Jr.

1944 - 2025

William (Bill) Howard Lyons Jr. was born on January 2,1944 in Indianapolis, Indiana to Burnice (Turner) Martin & William Lyons. Bill departed his life on earth on September 9, 2025 after a hard-fought battle against Lewy Body Dementia. Bill joined the US Marine Corp in 1961 and served for four years. Bill married Lela Meyers in August of 1962. Bill & Lela were blessed with three children. Later in life after Lela's passing, Bill married Marsha (Stacy) in November of 2002. Bill welcomed Marsha's son & daughter into his life.
Bill was a proud Marine veteran and enjoyed encouraging young people to consider joining the military. He was beyond proud when one of his great-grandsons enlisted in the US Marine Corp. Bill took being a Marine very seriously and never lost his identity as a Marine. Bill was patriotic and always enjoyed displaying Old Glory and the Marine flag in his yard.
Bill had a strong faith in God and served as a board member at the Humansville Full Gospel Church. He loved listening to hymns and you could always count on him having southern gospel dialed up on the radio whenever traveling in the car.
Bill was a member of the Stockton Masonic Lodge. Once his health was failing and he was no longer able to drive, a dear Mason brother and friend, Randy, faithfully picked him up and drove him to the lodge meetings. Remaining active in the lodge brought him great pride and happiness.
Bill was always firm in his beliefs and firm with his communication, but in his later years, a softer side of Bill surfaced. He often joked and laughed with the staff at the CMH Lake Stockton Healthcare Facility where he resided for the past year and a half. The nurses and aides who were special to him all earned nicknames. He generously shared smiles and bear hugs with them. His step-daughter Stacy also provided daily care to him and was able to witness this tender side of Bill.
Bill is survived by his wife Marsha, sons William Lyons (Marilyn) & Jim Lyons (Gwen) and a daughter, Donna Carte. A step-son, Robert Floyd (Melissa) and step-daughter, Stacy Rogers (David). Grandchildren Wyonda Smith (Scott), Jennifer Schies (Corey), Teresa Lyons (Holly), Quinton Rogers (Hannah) and Christopher Rogers, sister in law Beverly Tucker, 12 great-grandchildren & 5 great-great grandchildren along with a host of brothers and sisters in Christ, Masonic brothers and extended family and friends.
Bill was preceded in death by his mother and father, his step-father Chester Martin, his brother Bernard Tucker and his beloved wife and the mother of his children, Lela Lyons.
Bill's passing has left a missing link in his family who remain here on earth that will not be mended until the day they are each reunited with him in heaven; However, peace and comfort is found in knowing that Bill is healed from all pain and suffering and is rejoicing in heaven with his loved ones who have passed before him. We cling to the promise that we will again someday rejoice alongside Bill.