Richard Duane Lyons

Richard Duane Lyons, 84, of Claysville, died at 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 7, 2013, in Washington Hospital, following a brief illness.
He was born November 4, 1928, in Dormont, a son of the late John Conrad and Helen Regina Calhoon Lyons, and had resided in the Washington area prior to moving to Claysville in 1964.
Mr. Lyons was an active and involved member of Claysville United Methodist Church, where he served as a trustee, served on the pastor parish relations committee and was a lay leader and teacher with the Washington District of United Methodist Churches.
He was a 1946 graduate of the former Dormont High School, and, in 1953, he earned his bachelor of science degree in education from Penn State University and later earned his master’s equivalent. Mr. Lyons was employed as a vo-ag teacher for 33 years, first at Trinity High School, the former Claysville High School and lastly at McGuffey High School, prior to retiring in 1986. He was employed as a maintenance director at the former Camp Variety for Spina Bifida in Marshall Township following his retirement from teaching.
Mr. Lyons was a member of Penn State Alumni Association, Washington County Chapter of School Retirees, National Rifle Association and Public School Employees’ Retirement System. He was also an active community volunteer, serving on Claysville Borough Council and as a zoning officer for many years. He was a volunteer and advisory board member of Communities That Care in Claysville and served on the board of Spina Bifida Association.
Mr. Lyons enjoyed traveling and camping with his entire family, hunting, fishing, woodworking and gardening and had presided over and made all the flower arrangements for two of his grandchildren’s weddings.
On December 23, 1950, he married Jean Louise McDermott, who survives.
Also surviving are a son, Richard D. Lyons Jr., husband of Beverly Lyons of Cambridge, Ohio; three daughters, Kathy Shaner, companion of Larry Grimm of Washington, Deborah, wife of William Kennedy of New Cumberland, and Connie Reinke of Yorktown, Va.; 11 grandchildren, Jeremy, Sabrina, Joshua and Zachariah Shaner, Diana Simmons, Jean McFarland, Mandy Lyons, Jackie Diggs, Stephanie McGowan, Jonna Watlet and Sarah Kennedy; 13 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased, in addition to his parents, is a son, John T. Lyons, who died in 1993.
Friends will be received from 2 to 9 p.m. Friday in Claysville United Methodist Church, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 11, with the Rev. Rico Vespa and the Rev. Girard Sayre (retired) co-officiating. Interment will follow in Claysville Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to either Claysville UM Church or a local chapter of Spina Bifida Association. Arrangements are under the direction of Rush Funeral Home Inc., Rogersville. Family and friends may view the obituary and send condolences at www.rushfuneralhomeinc.com.