Arthur D. “Art” Lyons
Arthur D. “Art” Lyons passed away peacefully at home and surrounded by family on August 27, 2017. Loving husband of 53 years to Eileen (Gimblett). He was indeed a most beloved, patient and flexible father to their four daughters: Nancy (John) Hall, Judy (Kent) Funderburke, Jennifer (Robb) Schreck, and Jeanne (Craig) Drogosz. Adored “Pop Pop” of Caroline, Meghan, Zecharias, Henry, Lea, Ryan and Aidan. Art was a respected businessman working as a Financial Executive for FMC Corporation for 25 Years. He Served our Country in the U.S. Army. A big believer in giving back, in his retirement he helped not only those in his community by serving on numerous boards and committees, Art also traveled the globe doing pro bono work. We will remember him for his kindness, wisdom, integrity, generosity, humor and so many fun, special times with family and friends. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 1, from 3 until 8 pm at Hallowell & James Funeral Home 1025 W. 55th St., Countryside. Family & friends will gather on Saturday, September 2, for an 11:15 am Funeral Mass at St. John of the Cross Church, 5005 S. Wolf Rd., Western Springs. Services will conclude at the Church. If desired please send flowers to the visitation or make donations to pillarscommunity.org Service Info: (708) 352-6500
Uncle Artie was one of the great ones. He took me to my first Cub game at Wrigley and lived his life with care and compassion for all. I remember going to that game with Artie and my cousin Judy. Afterwards when we were leaving to go “out on the town” he told Judy and I, “be careful and use your head”. A simple comment but it sums up fond memories for me of Artie. That stuck with me until this day some 30 years later. He deeply cared for his family and friends. He was also like a brother to my mom and that meant everything to us and her. Condolences for Aunt Eileen and the extended family. He will be missed terribly. Sorry I cannot make it. RIP…Go Cubs!
So sorry to hear about Art’s passing. He was a dear friend and we enjoyed many good times together when he lived in Colonia, New Jersey. Bob and I will cherish all those memories we made together. Our condolences and prayers to the entire Lyons family for your loss.
Marilou and Bob Petersen
Art,
What a great father you have been to your girls and what a great father-in-law you have been to my brother Kent.
I enjoyed the few times I spent around you and know the world has lost a great friend.
My best thoughts go with you and your family.
Kirby, Lisa and Ian Funderburke
Our condolences to Aunt Eileen and her entire family. I still have great memories of Uncle Artie taking me fishing, or us trying to take our dog hunting, and the times we spent together when I was young. Your entire family is a testament to the man Uncle Artie was. I’m sure by now, him, my dad, Grandma and Pop are having a good laugh about something ! Sorry we cannot attend, our thoughts are with you.
There are so many people to thank for all of your kindness and love that you have given our family – not just this week but through the difficult time we have had with Dad’s health over the last few month. Your love and support is greatly appreciated.
People often wondered how in the world my Dad lived with 5 women – and I can assure you, it had its challenges. We are a lot. But he also had 5 women who absolutely loved and adored him. Through Mom and Dad’s guidance, patience and sense of humor, we are the great family we are today.
As you may know, Kent and I were the first to get married. As he toasted us, he said some kind words, paused and added: “You know, living in a house with four daughters, it was a lot like those old westerns, where the fort is surrounded and you’re outnumbered and then, there in the distance cresting the hill is the cavalry. Kent is the cavalry. Finally another man in the family.” Two months later he bought himself a new shotgun called Kent to let him know it was time to go hunting.
He had his Cavalry. And I always had mine. My Dad was my Cavalry. He was a man of few words but what he said and did was always profound and impactful. He guided me in ways that let me grow and become the person I am today. He never told me what to do – he guided. If I called him up and said – Dad, I am going to quit my job. I’ll just look for another one. He’d say – Judy Judy – You have to ride a horse to catch a horse. That’s it. Simple and profound. And we all still say that today. And none of us has ever quit their job before finding another.
I applied for grad school and got in – but could only get in through the Portuguese track instead of what I wanted – the French track. I was thinking of not going to grad school at all. He said – Judy, Judy – Flexibility is the key to mental health. Simple and profound. And so true. I entered the Portuguese track, which is where I met Kent. I was guided to making one of the best decisions of my life.
And during the really tough times in my life that were too hard for a simple saying or two. He was there to give me the shirt off his back and all the love and support a daughter could possible ask for. He was my Cavalry. And I will miss him dearly. But my Cavalry will be with my always in my heart. Indeed.
It’s been said that “the best fathers not only give us life – they teach us how to live.” One of the things I admired about our dad was how kind, funny and gracious he was in all situations. I noticed this especially in the last six months as he dealt with his illness. He never seemed to waver in being lovely, finding humor and putting others at ease when he was surely struggling, not feeling well and frustrated with setbacks. He spent this past summer largely indoors because of his health, and when I saw him on a particular weekend I commented how good he looked and in fact, I sort of stupidly commented, he looked tan to me – to which he replied “Huh, I must need a bath”. Although his body couldn’t keep up, his mind was always sharp, and he kept intact these qualities and values. He indeed was always aware he was leading by example.