Dale Eugene Lyon, age 86, passed away on 1/7/2016 due to complications from pneumonia and heart failure. He was born 6/14/1929 to the parents of Mildred and Lester Lyon.
Dale graduated from high school in Winterset, Iowa and went on to get a degree from the University of Maryland.
He joined the United States Air Force in 1948 and served for 28.5 years and achieved the rank of Chief Master Sargeant. He served his country in several tours of duty including Alaska, Korea, Philippines, and Okinawa and was awarded many meritorious honors, including The Bronze Star Medal. Dale retired from the Air Force in 1977.
After retirement from the U.S. Air Force, he worked for 20+ more years and retired as CEO/ President from the United Heritage Federal Credit Union and remained on the Board of Directors of UHFCU until his death.
Dale is survived in death by his wife of 63 years, Doris Lyon and their children, Pam Henderson, Dennis Lyon, Stacey Jamail/ Jeff, and his grand-children, Mickey Jamail/ Reagan, Eric Henderson, and Meredith Jamail, all from Austin, Texas. He is also survived by his siblings Judy Meline/ Chuck, Maureen Hildredth/ Tim from DesMoines, Iowa and Robert Lyon/ Pat from Rockwall, Texas.
Some of Dale's greatest enjoyments in life were his participation with the CMSGT organization, being an avid golfer, attending UT football games (Hook 'Em), and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He also got great joy in being a devout and valued member of the Berkeley United Methodist Church.
Dale was a respected member of the Austin community and he will be greatly missed. A visitation will be held on Monday 1/11/2016 at 6:00 P.M. at Harrell Funeral Home in Austin. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, 1/12/2016 at 10:00 a.m. at Harrell's Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Heart Association. Condolences may be sent to: www.harrellfuneralhomes.com.
May the angels always fold their white wings around Dale.
Tributes
miguel morris wrote on Jan 15, 2016:
"To the family of CMSGT Dale E. Lyon. The most sincere condolences and sadness on his passing. You may not know of a kindness he showed to me when he was the Chief Advisor to the Base Commander. The act will remain secret but the appreciation will be in my heart forever. Chief Lyon was foremost a gentleman and a hallmark for all the people he represented which was the entire Bergstrom Base. He was the epitome of a leader and brought great credit to the United States Air Force and the great nation he served. It was my great honor to call him friend. RIP faithful warrior. God bless him and his family. Lt. Col. Miguel H. Morris, AF Retired."
Stacey Lyon Jamail wrote on Jan 15, 2016:
"My dad was the sweetest man I know. He had so many wonderful qualities and he touched so many lives.
He was a man of great integrity and pride but yet, he was very humble.
He served his family and community buy never asked for anything in return.
He was a quiet and calm man and so very smart and wise. He had such a gentle soul.
He never did things half-way. He had a tremendous work ethic and showed complete dedication whether it was serving his country while in the U.S. Air Force, his years of work at the credit union, or serving his church. He got the job done and did it well. He was always steadfast and true.
The best thing about my dad were his family values. His family meant everything to him. He would do (and did) so much for us and loved us all unconditionally, even if we made mistakes (and we made a few)! He always forgave us and we moved forward.
He was so positive and non-judgemental. He always found the good in everyone. He and my mom made friends wherever they went. He truly had a heart of gold.
His kind blue eyes always sparkled with love. Even if he didn't have a smile on his mouth, his eyes were always smiling.
He touched all of our lives and was a great role model for all of us.
I'm so honored and proud that he was such a great and loving father, husband, brother, father-in-law, and friend to all of us.
He was truly an angel here on Earth and Heaven just go one of the best angels up there!
He will be greatly missed and we are all blessed that he was in our lives.
Stacey Lyon-Jamail, proud daughter to Dale."
Joan Crane wrote on Jan 11, 2016:
"We were heart broken to hear of Dale's departure. Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you. Frank and I are in assisted living and can't be there, but we love you both.
Frank and Joan Crane."
Jim Fillman wrote on Jan 11, 2016:
"Doris and family,
Words seem so empty at times like this yet it is our hope that ours will give you some comfort, spark some joy and bring warmth to your world as you walk through the next several weeks. God has given us memories for times such as this so draw on those times of laughter, excitement and joy that you shared together - it is those memories that will grow brighter and give you comfort as time passes.
We are so sad to hear of your loss. Rhonda and I extend through the miles a heartfelt hug and smile. It is our prayer that there will be many friends and family who come alongside you at this time.
You were ideal neighbors for so many years and Dale was a trusted credit union mentor who will be missed. We will get by to see you soon.
May Isaiah 40:28-31 give you hope and strength to meet the challenge ahead.
"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
Our love and concern,
Jim & Rhonda Fillman
President/CEO
Cannon Federal Credit Union
Clovis, NM"
Dave & Jane Crookham wrote on Jan 11, 2016:
"Doris, So sorry for your loss. Dale was always a perfect gentleman to us. We will miss him. Take care of yourself. Jane & Dave Crookham"
Danielle Odom wrote on Jan 11, 2016:
"Doris,
I am so sorry to hear of Dale's passing. My thoughts are with you.
Bob Odom"
Debbie Kubena wrote on Jan 11, 2016:
"Mrs. Lyon, Pam, Dennis, and Stacy....so sorry to hear about Mr. Lyon's passing. I remember him as a very kind man. I know you all will miss him terrible. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Love,
Debbie Fernandez Kubena"
Eric Benken wrote on Jan 11, 2016:
"I am very saddened to hear of Chief Lyon's passing. We served together at Bergstrom AFB in the '70s. He was a Chief and I was a young Staff Sergeant. I looked up to him as an outstanding role model and considered him a mentor. He had a positive influence on thousands of Airmen over the years. Sincere condolences to the Lyon family.
Eric Benken
Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force #12 (Ret)"
Carroll McAtee wrote on Jan 10, 2016:
"Doris, Carroll and I were so sorry to hear of Dale's passing. We have so many good memories of our golf days. Mac has not played in many years. You have our thoughts and prayers. We have thought of you often. Take care of yourself!
Carroll and Carol McAtee"
Armando Pineda wrote on Jan 10, 2016:
"My deepest condolences Ms Lyon, Pam and the Lyon family l knew you all while l was stationed at Bergstrom in 70-72 and l also worked at the BX. Again you have my condolences."
Richard Sunbury wrote on Jan 10, 2016:
"Dear Doris, to you and your family we give our deepest condolences. You will always be in our thoughts and prayers. Dale was a great friend and he will be missed.
Ann and Dick Sunbury"
Pia Hancock wrote on Jan 9, 2016:
"It has been an honor to have known Dale for over 30 years. Thank you for all the adventures we shared with UHCU, our military stories and the life time of memories. Your presence will be missed but know your spirit will live on. With love and respect, Pia."