David Lawrence Lyons

1946 - 2026

David Lawrence Lyons , 79

David Lawrence Lyons, age 79, entered into the loving arms of our Heavenly Father on February 2, 2026, surrounded by his five daughters, sister and granddaughters holding him as he passed peacefully.

David was born on August 17, 1946, to William and Irene (Roder) Lyons in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. He was the second of six children-four sisters and one brother. The family later moved to Kalispell, Montana, where Dave graduated from Flathead High School in 1964.

On August 20, 1965, Dave married the love of his life and soulmate, Vicki (Hill) Lyons. Together they were blessed with five beautiful daughters: Lisa, Laura, Wendy, Kimberly, and Sara. Dave was also blessed with 12 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him immense joy and pride.

In 1966, Dave was drafted into the U.S. Army and served one year in the Vietnam War as a radio relay and carrier attendant. Upon returning home, he began his career in 1968 with Western Building Center. In 1975, Western Building Center offered Dave and his family the opportunity to move to Eureka, Montana, where he managed the store and became one of six owners. Although he officially retired in 2006, Dave remained actively involved with the business for many years afterward.

Dave had a deep love for the outdoors. His and Vicki's favorite place to work and bring family and friends together was the family cabin in Olney, MT. He cherished time spent at hunting camp, paddle fishing on the Missouri River, and snowmobiling with his wife, daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren, and friends. A true craftsman, Dave had many hobbies including making longbows, knives, arrows, carving ducks from old fence posts, reloading, and countless other projects-if you showed him something, he could build it. He proudly volunteered with the Eureka Fire Department for over 30 years.

Above all else, Dave's greatest love was his family. He treasured every moment spent hunting, fishing, camping, picnicking, and attending the events and activities of his children and grandchildren. Watching his family grow brought him immeasurable happiness and fulfillment.

Words cannot fully express the positive impact Dave had on the lives he touched. Whether known as a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, or loyal friend, he was admired for his humility, kindness, and compassion. His legacy as a loving man and exceptional craftsman will be cherished and remembered by all who knew him.

Dave is survived by his five daughters: Lisa Peterson; Laura (Stan) Burk; Wendy (Greg) Williams; Kim (Gregg) Allen; and Sara (Seth) Varnum. He is also survived by his sisters Jeanne Jenson, Chris (Chuck) McGuire, Karen (Frank) Horak, and Robin (Chuck) Kroeger; his brother Joe (Linda) Lyons; twelve grandchildren: Tanner (Mandi), Dillon (Brianna), Jordan (Cassidy), Tyler (Amanda), Gina (Felipe), Jarrett (Jaya), Kayla (CJ), Tiffany, Carli (Grady), Read (Karissa), Braiden, and Trista (Kaden); and twenty great-grandchildren: Carter, Blayne, Gavin, Wyatt, Henry, Cutler, Adam, Jesse, Olivia, Link, Cohen, Adler, Kylee, Corbyn, Kasen, Kimber, Ryder, Rayce, Revvyn, and Rhenley.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Vicki Lyons; his parents, Bill and Irene Lyons; son-in-law Ricky Peterson; granddaughter Tia Marie; great-granddaughter Saydee Lee; and brothers-in-law Jerry Jensen, Timothy Hill, James Hill, and Russ Fraleigh.

A sincere thank you to Home Sweet Home's staff, Hospice nurses, and Adam Burns in Eureka for loving Dave and taking extraordinary care of him.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Schnackenberg Funeral Homes. A funeral service will be held on February 13, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at High Roads Gym, located behind First Interstate Bank at 184 13th Street, Eureka, Montana, with graveside services immediately following. A reception will be held afterward at The Timbers Event Center, 101 Julian Drive, Eureka, Montana. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Dave's life. In lieu of flowers the family requests a donation to Eureka Volunteer Fire Department in memory of David L. Lyons.