Donald Edwin Lyons of Lake Forest, Illinois, born Sept. 15, 1932, in Metcalf, Illinois, to the parents of Lester Lyons and Ruth Vale, passed away on July 31, 2024.
Survivors include his wife of 69 years Ruth Jane; two children, Stephanie (Paul) and Stephen; and grandson Cassidy.
He was preceded in death by daughter Jacqueline.
Donald Edwin Lyons had seven brothers and sisters.
Donald was educated at Purdue University, holding bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He was a member of the President’s Council of Purdue University. He was a loyal Purdue Boilermaker fan.
Donald retired as a vice president at Snap-On Tools. He participated in the Chicago Marathon, Chicago Triathlon and Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (Ragbrai), River to River Trail. He backpacked across Ireland. Donald hiked the Appalachian Trail. He was an assistant Scoutmaster who was awarded the Order of the Arrow. He was a Master Gardener. He designed a garden railway.
Donald volunteered as a Court Appointed Special Advocate working on behalf of children in the foster care system. He was a volunteer at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital.
He was a published writer, specializing in childhood memories. Donald was part of a writing group. He taught management at various colleges and universities. He was listed in the Who’s Who in the Midwest. Above all else, his proudest achievement was his role as husband, father and grandfather.
