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BORN
1931
DIED
2020
FUNERAL HOME
Don Lyon Obituary
DONALD M. LYON, age 89, was born on July 9, 1931, in Egeland, North Dakota to Frank Lyon and Florence (Booher) Lyon. The family later moved to the State of Oregon, where he lived until he moved to Rockford, Illinois. He was the youngest of four children and the last to be called home.
While attending Open Bible College in Des Moines, Iowa; Don married his childhood sweetheart, Donna Faye Swaggart in Eugene, Oregon on August 9, 1951 and 69 years later they were still as devoted to each other as the day they said "I do." They had four children, Faye (Jeffery) Jacobs, Curtis Lyon (deceased), and twins Carla (Brad) Hampton and Marla (Jonathan) Eash. They have seven grandchildren, Chad (Jill) Hampton, Krysten (Joseph) Zarembski, Colin Eash, Harrison Eash, J. Josiah Jacobs, Justin (Cally) Jacobs, and Brandon (Caitlin) Jacobs. They have nine great grandchildren. He is survived by extended family, Ron and Ruth Swanson and Lolitta Lyon. And many sons and daughters in Christ.
He graduated from Open Bible College in 1953 with his Bachelors in Theology, and In March of 1954, Don and Donna Lyon moved to Rockford, Illinois, where they have lived ever since.
He was multi-dimensional with accomplishments too numerous to mention. He was a most beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, but he was also a pastor, apostle, missionary, statesman, community leader, standard bearer, employer, and visionary. He loved people and would do whatever was in his power to do to help someone in need. He was a charismatic and energetic personality, which sometimes drew criticism, but he knew he only needed the approval of God. He was faced with and weathered many challenges, but never lost his faith in God. His unwavering and consistent ministry caused him to be accepted as an apostle and father to many pastors, evangelists, and ministry leaders across the globe. He was often introduced as a "pastor to pastors".
A full obituary can be found on the website for Sundberg Funeral Home.
A viewing will be held at Faith Center, 4721 South Main, Rockford, IL on Saturday, October 10, 2020, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and on Sunday, October 11, 2020, from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m... A celebration of life service will be held at Faith Center on Sunday, October 11, 2020, at 11:00 a.m... Private family internment. A memorial is being established to honor his life. Please consider a contribution instead of sending flowers.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Don Lyon
Sponsored by Sundberg Funeral Home, Ltd..
Frank and Sonja Beach
September 27, 2022
Pastor Don is our youth pastor since we were teenagers. A wonderful man and friend all the way through his life. He said our condolences once again to his precious wife Donna and family.
My God bless and continue to give you strength end guidance as you serve him each and every day.
Linda DeJaynes Lewis
September 27, 2022
Wonderful man. I know he is missed, but God gave him his reward.
Sheryl Struse
October 29, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Sincere sympathies to the family
Barb Blank
October 25, 2020
Apostle Lyon was a shining light with a smile and good word for all. God bless his family.
Mrs. Cora Pettigrew
October 11, 2020
Pastor Lyon was a great teacher. With each of his sermons there was something new to learn or a lesson to learn. My husband, Jim, and I loved to hear his messages. My condolences to Pastor Donna, Marla, Carla, Faye and their extended families.
Judy Bass
October 11, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Dan Turk
October 10, 2020
My condolences to the family of Rev. Don Lyon. I have many memories of Pastor Lyon, his family and the church family, from the 1970's: the services at the church; a member of the Accent's youth choir and the many tours we did as a choir touring the four corners of the U.S. I talk about until this day. Memories of his children during their enrollment at CFNI in Dallas and the many times Curt and Marla spent at my house, playing games (Pente), Curt's famous caramel corn, an almost disastrously fire making said caramel corn. Pastor Lyon was always on the cutting edge of sharing and spreading the Gospel. His vision for growth in many areas of the church is unmatched. To Mrs. Lyon, Faye, Marla and Carla, your families, a husband, father and grandfather, he will truly be missed. God bless you all. Much love to you during this time.
Larry / Deborah Buckman
October 10, 2020
Pastor Lyon was a man of great faith. A wonderful man of God who has walked home. He is now, where he has always waited to be. In the arms of our Loving Lord Jesus. Pastor Lyon is healed, whole. He is running around in heaven praising, worshipping, loving, laughing, dancing for His Master. He is experiencing the fullness of God, every second of every hour. I get excited picturing this, and we know, all is well with his soul. Our heartfelt condolences to everyone in his family. He will be missed. We love you, Pastor Lyon and we will see you soon. Larry and Debbie Buckman
Tina Schroeder
October 10, 2020
I was so saddened to hear we lost pastor Lyon.
He was a godly man. He will be sadly missed.
To his family you are in my thoughts and prayers
Tina Schroeder
Sky Drysdale
October 10, 2020
He not only talked the talk, he walked the walk. His rewards will be abundant.
Clyde Wells
October 9, 2020
Loved this fine Pastor who led me to find the Lord back in 72. Never ever found another a church like his in all these years. Sorry for your loss Donna but for sure we'll all rejoice with him in Heaven soon.
Larry , Lavelle Foss and family
October 8, 2020
My Uncle Don was a compassionate man, that loved life and people. He was a pillar in our family and his Godly influence will be missed!
Braimah Bunch
October 8, 2020
Eternal is God's LOVE for us!
Ron & Ruth Swanson & family
October 8, 2020
We can hear our dear brother Don, singing a song he was known to sing, ““I see the lighthouse Jesus divine , who will say “welcome servant of mine. Come in and rest, new land possess. Oh it is wonderful to be nearing the shore!””
Yes, he has made it to the other shore. Heaven is now his new home! We will miss him! Yes we know life here on earth won’t seem or be the same.But, we rejoice knowing where he is. We love some of the last words of his. He was probably hearing discussions of the next move being to the nursing home for his recovery ? He left the message loud and clear “No nursing home for me!” Don knew where he was going instead!
Our sister Donna Faye married Don sixtynine years ago. He became apart of our family as a boy in grade school. We loved him dearly! We will too be coming!
Love, Ron and Ruth Swanson & Family
CinSerae Nelson
October 8, 2020
We will miss you Uncle Don! Your example of faith, your love, laughter & sense of humor....and of course your famous popcorn! Love you so much to all the family! Hugs and prayers ❤Love,Rusty, CinSerae ,Rustin, Jaycee, and Kendall Nelson
Jimmy L Tillman
October 8, 2020
MAY THE PEACE OF GOD SURROUND YOU DURING THIS TRYING TIME
Robert and Ora Johnson
October 8, 2020
Pastor Lyon was a true servant of God. Family you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Steve & Anne Lapp
October 8, 2020
Pastor Lyon was a pastor to the pastors. Always available and approachable. He meant so much to me and my family over the past twenty-five years. He will be greatly missed! But what he has imparted into my life carries on. Our hearts go out to Mrs. Lyon and the entire family.
Shelly Edwards
October 7, 2020
Apostle Lyon meant so much to our family. His leadership helped us to define our faith in God. He has always been there for us a family since he married us 25 years ago through recent church services. He is in our hearts forever. The Lyon family is in our hearts and prayers. Please take comfort in knowing he is surely at the side of Jesus and will be able to watch over all of his flock. We love you all.
Monte & Paulette Kerley
October 7, 2020
Our sympathies to the Lyon family. Pastor Don was a gifted man of God and we were blessed to have known him. We share your grief.
Herschel and Nancy Brown
October 7, 2020
There’s no way that
We can feel exactly
What you’re feeling or understand
The sorrow that you bear,
But remember
That we’re praying
You and your family
Let God hold you in this time of need.
We love Pastor Lyons and your family
he was a great man of God can't forget all the teaching we received from him as God servant.My god comfort we during this time
Tina Schuenke
October 6, 2020
I am so saddened by the loss of my wonderful mentor. I am who I am because of his amazing love and kindness in taking the time to allow me to interview him for my Doctorate classes. I am now a Minister in my own life. He was and is a loving and caring man. Heaven has received a wonderful Angel.
Suszanne Wiley
October 6, 2020
I was saddened to hear that Pastor Don had gone home to meet his Lord and Savior. What fond memories I have of Pastor Don and Rockford Open Bible Church. He was a great preacher and Pastor, fantastic musician, great friend and loved his congregation! My husband and I thought the world of him and his family. He was our Pastor for many years and we always appreciated his love to us. We grew under his ministry which we are so thankful for. He was one of the most dedicated Pastors we knew. He spent many late hours studying the word and praying for his church. He loved and served His Lord with every ounce of his being! Pastor Don, you can join Randy, along with Curtis, in Heaven now! My prayers and deepest sympathy go out to Donna Faye and family. I pray the Lord will wrap you in his loving arms and give you a peace that only He can give. (Psalms 91:4. ) In spite of your grief right now, you can have peace knowing he is with the Lord and you will see him again! What a glorious day that will be when we all see Jesus face to face! God bless you all.
Valerie S George
October 5, 2020
Apostle Lyon was the best pastor to me in my early Christian years raising my son as a single mom. He taught the uncompromised Word Of God, and lived as a Godly example to me and Ryan as a father in the faith.. those foundational years are pivotal in who I am as a Christian today... you will be missed Apostle .. to pastor Donna and the family...
October 5, 2020
Apostle Lyon officiated our wedding almost five years ago. He was so kind to us. We are honored that he was a part of our special day. He has been promoted to heaven, but he is so missed here. God bless his family and his church family. Love, Jamie and Treasure Bock.
TYNA BOGAN
October 5, 2020
The city of Rockford and surrounding areas has lost a bright light!! Pastor Lyon
Teaching and faith nuggets still inspire my life today. Truly he was a man after God heart. Rest on Apostle Lyons in our
HEAVENLY FATHER ARM
Carol Rosander Wehrheim Roberts
October 5, 2020
I go a long way back with Pastor Lyon, 1970’s. Such an eloquent speaker that always preached the word with such clarity. Loved all his stories intermingled with scripture. God is with us always he would say. He lent Pastor to us leading us the way, and Pastor is now in his arms. Bless all his family during this time of grief.
Dr. James Horvath
October 5, 2020
The Church has lost a real Statesman.
Apostle Don was a close friend, and a confidant. We shared the pulpit as well as close fellowship for over 30 years. He spoke almost every year at our Road 2 Glory Prophetic Prayer Conference. Our network will miss his timely Words of Wisdom.
Dr. James Horvath
Senior Pastor Calvary Lighthouse Church
Rochelle, IL
Linda DeJaynes Lewis
October 5, 2020
Knew him from Open Bible camp in Iowa as a kid never dreaming I'd live in the area and attend his church, Faith Center. Wonderful man of God. So blessed to have known him.
Shirley Overton
October 5, 2020
We have lost a General in the Body of Christ, a mighty man of God. We will miss you Apostle Lyon.
He was deeply honored by all as Apostle Lyon always honored others. My love and prayers to the Family and the Family at Faith Center.
Brenda (Eckberg) Jogerst
October 5, 2020
So sorry for your loss. Open Bible Center and the Lyon family had a great impact on my youth in the church. He will be greatly missed by many.
Darrel and Arlene Anderson
October 5, 2020
A friend since early 50's. Can't begin to count all the special times we've had in life and ministry. Our prayers to Donna Faye and family!
Robert Ho
October 5, 2020
Morning to all the family and friend's ❤ The Lord gives us strength in times like this; It has been an honor to meet Pastor Don Lyon and His wife Donna. I am so grateful for this man of God. I won't forget the day he called me up and prayed with me the
day my wife Kathy passed this past February and went to be with the Lord. Now I'm praying for all the family and friends in this time of grief, Don will be missed. God Bless you all; In Jesus Name Amen.
Christina Maronde
October 5, 2020
From the first moment I met him almost 30 years ago, he always displayed consistan love and kindness. It was genuine. When I went through a bad domestic situation years later. He was there for me offering his kindness,love, and wisdom. He spoke to me as if I was his daughter. He helped me in a way a father would. I will be forever grateful for his love, wisdom, and the way he stood so strong in his faith even when would have caved in. It is forever etched on my heart and life. I love you Pastor Lyons and will miss you dearly. I know you will be watching to see what we do with what you've taught us. You have entered into your reward. I will see you again one day.
Sheryl Isenhart Noble
October 4, 2020
We visited Faith Center in the 1980's and Pastor Lyon was a great Pastor, he is celebrating in heaven with his Lord.
Debbie Leininger
October 4, 2020
Our deepest sympathies go to Donna, Marla, Carla, Faye, and their families.
Apostle Lyon unashamedly proclaimed the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He extended grace and mercy to all he knew. We are better people for being members of Faith Center. He taught us to believe in “Miracles in Motion”.
He will be missed, but we know he is among the great crowd of witnesses who are cheering us on. Thank you, Apostle Lyon, for equipping us to be the End Times church.
Rick & Debbie Leininger
julie encinas
October 4, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person, Pastor, teacher and friend of many years. We will love you and miss you always. Thank You for the numerous teachings, your wisdom and your concerns for our family from the early nineties for all these years. May you be walking on streets of Gold. Julie Encinas and children, Danny, Jenni and Dustin
Frank & Sonja Beach
October 4, 2020
Don Lyon has had a major impact on both my life and my wife since we were teenagers. We have been friends for most of our adult life both personally and professionally. We will miss Don. His love for the Lord is compelling. His legacy is witnessed and bore out in the life of his family. Our deepest condolences and sympathy to you Donna and the children. You are loved .
Frank &Sonja Beach
Wanda Nelson
October 4, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Karleene Hagerman Upper Cervical Care Center
October 4, 2020
My prayers are with the family their loss God Bless
Ken Oliver
October 4, 2020
Thank you for being my friend Don.
Kristine Valdes
October 4, 2020
I will always remember Pastor Lyon he was a good man who shared God's world to so many people. My condolences to the Lyon family , God has welcomed him home and he has earned his Angel wings.
Kristina Mary Pumilia Valdes
Pamela Harding
October 4, 2020
Apostle Lyon was as a father to me. He influenced my life and so many others for Eternity. I'll miss him greatly and will credit him for showing me how a God fearing man is to be. His crown is full of jewels, but I know he's laid it down at The Feet of Jesus. Thank you Apostle. Love you dearly.
Don Manzullo
October 3, 2020
We just lost a Lion. He was a friend, counselor, advisor, and just a really great guy who cared about people and wanted to make sure everybody knew the Lord is the source of all wisdom. He spoke at my dad's funeral, a trusted friend of our family for years, a man whose door was always open.
Vern and Judy Smith
October 3, 2020
Best Apostle we have ever had. We learned so much from him and loved him very much. Our most sincere condolences to all the family. We will forever miss him.
Ronald Baney
October 3, 2020
I knew him for 40 years and loved him. He was the most honorable and Godly man I ever knew. Heaven will be getting a saint.
Gethsemane Christian Church
October 3, 2020
Pastor Lyon,
"A True Pillar in the Service of the Lord" 2019 Selah Award Recipient! Pastor Lyon will always be a pillar for the Saints in this community!
I am praising the Lord we were given the opportunity to be in his company and to honor him for his labor in the service of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!! His quote to us was "We don't retire we retread; We go to Heaven with our boots on!" Alleluia, To God be the Glory!
To the First Lady Sister Lyon, family, and the Saints at Faith Center our prayers are with you. Remember Psalm 116:15
...Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his Saints...
God Bless,
Pastor Bruce & Lady Angela Carter
Gethsemane Christian Church-Rockford, IL.
joy
October 3, 2020
Many years ago Pastor Lyons helped me through a very emotional time in my life. He was a very kind man. Prayers to the family.
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