John R. Lyon

John Ramsey Lyon, age 82, of Linn went to his eternal home on Sunday, October 17, 2010, at Autumn Meadows Skilled Nursing Facility in Linn.

John was born July 10, 1928, in Freedom, OK, a son to the late Ray Elmer and Ellen (Benett) Lyon. In 1935, John, his parents and brother, Raymond moved from Alva, Oklahoma to Gentry, Arkansas during the "Dust Bowl" in western Oklahoma. He continued to have a great fondness for both states.

John decided at a young age, soon after giving his life in Christian Baptism, that he wanted to become a preacher and he preached his first sermon at the age of 16.

John attended Ozark Bible College in Bentonville, Arkansas and Joplin, Missouri and Midwestern School of Evangelism in Ottumwa, Iowa.

He was united in marriage to Ruth Herndon, daughter of the late W.B. "Bert" and Elsie (Boyce) Herndon in Osage County, MO on July 16, 1948. His devoted wife of 62 years survives at the home.

John preached in several states including Monroe City, Indiana, Burnside, Illinois and Yellville, Arkansas and was known by many as Brother John, J.R. and even Buster as a child. He conducted revivals, youth camps, weddings, funerals and visited hospitals, nursing homes, prisons or wherever an opportunity arose.

His local ministries included Eugene and Olean, MO and while there, he had a weekly Sunday morning radio program on a Jefferson City station. Upon returning to Missouri, he spent almost 26 years preaching at Gasconade, Missouri. He also preached at Chamois and Etterville.

During most of his years of preaching, he also was employed at other jobs. The last two were with Linn High School as a custodian where he enjoyed spending time with the youth and the OATS Transportation System where he enjoyed the company of the senior citizens.

In 1997, he had to make a hard decision, after learning that he had Alzheimer's, to retire from preaching. After retiring, John and Ruth placed their membership at the Oklahoma Church of Christ. John loved singing, reading scripture and preaching.

In the words of a prayer written by John: "Thank you for blessings beyond measure and for the opportunity to love and serve."

In addition to his wife Ruth, he is fondly remembered by: two children, Rebekah "Becky" Thompson and her husband Tom of Linn, and Robert "Bobby" John Lyon of Fayetteville, AR; two grandchildren, Shane and his wife Gina Thompson of Chamois, and Kristina Loughridge and her husband Joe of Bland; and a great granddaughter Vidella Jo Loughridge who referred to her Granddad as "Poppy"; one brother Raymond and his wife Grace Lyon of Ottumwa, IA; three brother-in-laws, Bob, Bill and Ralph Herndon; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant brother Donald Ray Lyon.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm-8:00 pm, Tuesday, October 19, 2010, at Morton Chapel in Linn.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am, Wednesday, October 20, 2010, at Oklahoma Church of Christ with Mark Gregor and Jerry Weller officiating. Interment will follow in the Oklahoma Church Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to Oklahoma Church of Christ, Oklahoma Church Cemetery or the Alzheimer's Association.