Robert F. "Bob" Lyons

1940 - 2025

Robert F. 'Bob' Lyons
Born: June 5, 1940
Died: November 30, 2025
Robert F. "Bob" Lyons, 85, of Dimmick, passed away peacefully Sunday, November 30, 2025 at Allure of Mendota.
A public Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, December 4, 2025 at Sts. Peter & Paul Church, Peterstown with Rev. Gregory Nelson, pastor officiating. Private burial will follow in St. Vincent's Cemetery, LaSalle with full military rites conducted by the LaSalle-Oglesby Veterans Memorial Group. Public visitation will be held 9:30-10:50 AM Thursday at the church. Arrangements are entrusted to the Mueller-Pagani Funeral Home, LaSalle.
Born at St. Mary's Hospital in LaSalle on June 5, 1940, he was the son of the late Daniel and Lucella (McGrath) Lyons. He graduated from St. Bede Academy in 1958. He married Barbara Rancingay on January 4, 1964 at Holy Family Church in Oglesby. Bob was a devoted husband and together they celebrated 62 years of marriage. They lived in Bob's childhood home with their three children, Robert, Linda, and Mark.
Bob served in the Illinois National Guard from 1962-1968. He earned the rank of sergeant.
Bob was a longtime member of Sacred Heart Church in Dimmick Township. After Sacred Heart Church closed in 2008, he joined Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Peterstown.
Bob dedicated his life in the study of agriculture, while operating the family's grain and livestock farms. He grew up farming with his brothers. In addition, he had a painting service with his brother, Richard. Bob and his children continued farming, after Richard's passing. He served as the Sacred Heart Parish Trustee for many years and also served on several boards including the Dimmick Township Board of Trustees, Troy Grove Elevator Board of Directors, and LaSalle County Soil & Water Conservation District.
Bob loved to travel and take road trips. He was known to drive to the Mississippi River just to check the water level. He and Barb have travelled throughout the United States and Europe. Whether they were on a train through Alaska or sailing away with Mickey Mouse, he would return with plenty of stories to tell.
Survivors include his wife, Barbara; three children, Robert (Janine) Lyons of Mt. Zion, Linda (Thomas) Mahaffey of Goodfield, and Mark (Jane) Lyons of Fitchburg, WI; six grandchildren, Erica (Noah) Sherman, Shannon (Jon) Herrera, Kelly Mahaffey, Taylor (Evan) Lyons-Wigham, Garrett Lyons, and Ryan Mahaffey; and three great-grandchildren, Judah, Lucas, and Naomi.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Daniel and Richard Lyons.
Pallbearers will be grandchildren.
Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Illinois Valley PADS.
The online guestbook may be viewed and remembrances shared at www.MuellerFH.com.