Obituary of Richard A Lyon

Lyons, Richard Alex “Dick” Lyon age 84 died on Wednesday May 9, 2018 doing what he loved on his farm.

Friends may call on Tuesday (May 15) from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the Cheney Funeral Home 70 Main Street Phelps. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday (May 16), 10 am at the United Church of Phelps with Rev. Adrian Tierson officiating.   

Burial will be in Resthaven Cemetery.

It is requested that memorial donations be made to the Waterloo Lions Club PO Box 173 Waterloo, New York 13165.

Dick was born on April 14, 1934 in Clifton Springs Hospital the son of the late William and Fredalina Weisenberger Lyon Sr. He was the fifth of eight children.

He attended a one-room school house on Avery Road, Lyons through third grade and then went to Phelps Central School. He was active in Future Farmers of America, and was a star athlete in track.

Throughout school he also helped on the family farm on West Townline Road in Phelps. Farming was always in his blood, and he went into partnership with his dad after graduating in 1951.

The original 150 acre farm raised Dairy cows, grew cabbage, hay and potatoes. His grandfather Daniel Lyon started this farm in 1921, and 4 generations have farmed it.

Dick married the late Audrey Parker in September 1959. They had one son, Eric Richard Lyon, who went into partnership with Dick on the family farm. The current Lyon Farm now has about 3000 acres, growing mainly corn, soybeans and some hay.

He was a very dedicated farmer who never gave up his zest or ambition, even with a few medical problems. This is evident in his large farm with acreage in Seneca, Wayne and Ontario Counties. Dick was never afraid to take a risk whether it be in life or in business. 

Dick and Audrey traveled the United States, Mexico, Alaska and took a couple of Cruises. They wintered in Florida for many years, making many friends with his personality.

Dick spent over 25 years playing cards with men friends in the Marion area. Nothing took preference over his Thursday Euchre games. His latest passion was the local casino where he always found people to chat with. 

He was a member of the Waterloo Lions Club, served many years on the Junius grievance board, and was a lifetime member of the Junius Fire Department. 

Dick’s wife Audrey passed away in 2011, after being married for 52 years and this left a large void in his life. She was the bookkeeper and business manager and the core of the Lyon Farm.

He is survived by his son Eric Richard (Cyndi) Lyon and their twin daughters; Marina and Olivia from Clyde.

Also siblings William Lyon Jr. of Palmyra

Joseph (Janet) Lyon of The Villages, FL.

Helen Phillips of Sodus

Shirley (Gene) Krenzer of Spencerport

Mary Conklin of Phelps

Patricia Jones of Lyons

Also a sister-in-law Agnes Higley of Florida

Dick leaves many nieces, nephews and cousins. He leaves special nephews Scott Wasman who has been very involved on the farm for many years and Glenn Wasman who is the farm bookkeeper and caregiver. He also leaves behind many longtime friends, business acquaintances and Euchre buddies.

He was predeceased by his wife Audrey, sister Elizabeth Davis.

Brothers in law; James Davis, Greg Phillips, Ken Conklin, Glenn Jones and Fred Parker 

Sisters in law Edith Lyon, Linda Burns and Janet Minns

Dick’s death has left a huge void on the Lyon Farm. He was always his own person and this is how he succeeded in life and business. He never asked why, but rather why not?

Just watch for Dick on his Big Green John Deere tractors in the sky… And he will have a BIG smile on his face

Rest in Peace Dick, you deserve it… Enjoy being with Audrey again.