Stevensville – Raymond Jo Lyons, 94, of Stevensville passed away Wednesday, July 15, 2015 at his home with his wife by his side.
Raymond was born in Helena MT in 1921 and later adopted by Raymond and Josephine Lyons who raised him in and around the Flathead Valley.
As a kid he would deliver groceries in his little red wagon. Moving around and up through the professions: watering elephants at the circus, becoming a telegrapher for the railroad, OTR truck driver hauling tankers filled with acid on occasion, painting designs on planes that were later sent to Russia, ice cutter for the Western Fruit Express, sheep herder in Hinsdale, soda fountain and service station attendant in Apgar, owner operator of a logging company in Kalispell, foreman with Earl Hunt Construction building houses, employed with Boeing Aircraft Company inventing/designing new improved devices, outfitting for Diamond Bar X, Bruckerts, and the Chief Joseph Ranch, working for and with the Stevensville Farm and Builders.
Along the way he met and in 1943 married Erma Middleton, having two children: Raymond E. and Arlene. They divorced in 1969 and in 1970 he married Susan Frazier Mowen of Choteau, in Stevensville. He was a Member of the Great Falls Deputy Sheriffs, Mountain Patrol Search and Rescue, CCC Cook, Pony Express, St. Mary’s Saddle Club, Bitterroot Draft and Mule Club, Stevensville Historic Museum, 30 years Gourmet Dining Group, Peruvian Paso and Paso Fino breeder and parade contestant .
His love of music could be heard in his playing of the accordion or harmonica, and in his voice when he sang.
A true gentleman to the core, Ray was a trophy husband and the best neighbor anyone could have wanted. He lived a long fulfilling life with many stories to share and his laugh and smile will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his wife Sue, son Raymond E. (Sherry) Lyons of Great Falls, daughter Arlene Lyons of Hamilton, grandchildren Shawn (Paula) Lyons of Great Falls, Brian (soon-to-be-wife Kathleen) Lyons of CA, Colby Lyons of TX, Robin Palin of Hamilton, Michele (Clint) Morris of Stevensville and nine great-grandchildren.
A memorial potluck picnic will be held at the Priest Park in Stevensville, Saturday July 25 at 3 p.m. for friends and family. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.