Terry L. Lyon

On February 8, 2026, Terry L. Lyon went home to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He died peacefully with his eldest daughter, Jennie, at his side, leaving behind his battle with Lewy Body dementia and immediately passing into the presence of Jesus and his angels. He was 76 years old.

Terry was born on May 30, 1949, in Lincoln, Nebraska to Jerome E. Lyon and Iris A. (Lindamood) Lyon. He was the youngest of three brothers. As sons of a Kansas farm boy who grew up during the Depression, Dennis, Phil, and Terry learned that they could fix most anything themselves and do most anything they set their minds to. Their mother, a sharp and dedicated elementary school teacher, made it her goal that all her children earn college degrees.

After graduating from Lincoln Northeast High School, Terry attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where he earned a B.S. in Electrical Engineering in 1972. During his time there, two of Terry’s passions, sound engineering and service to God, led him to work at Back to the Bible Broadcast. There he met a cute high school girl named Kathy, and he had the good sense to start dating her that same day. Kathy was the love of his life, and they married on December 29, 1972.

Terry and Kathy’s life together included many moves (TX, MN, CO), two more degrees for Terry (an MS in Electrical Engineering from University at MN and an MA of Theology from Dallas Seminary), and most importantly, their three children, Jennie, Todd, and Christy. Like their dad, the kids learned they could do anything they set their minds to, from building their own computers to tackling any home project. Terry was a source of wisdom and support for his kids, and is fondly remembered as a “Pocket Elder,” patiently answering all their theological questions.

While raising his family, Terry worked as an electrical engineer at Control Data, IBM, and Hewlett Packard. He specialized in chip design, and his talent in his chosen field was underscored by his 28 patents. Terry’s friends and coworkers remember him for his unwavering integrity. But many who knew him well were not aware of his tremendous professional success; he kept his awards and plaques stored in a box, while proudly displaying his family photos on the walls.

Terry loved traveling. He and Kathy took their family on countless camping and road trips. With Terry’s meticulously planned, minute-by-minute itineraries to lead the way, the family explored Yellowstone, the Pacific Northwest, California, the Grand Canyon, and even Alaska. After his retirement, Terry and Kathy set off on adventures of their own: no itinerary, just a map and tankful of gas, wandering down back roads and discovering out-of-the-way sights. Once his children were grown, Terry shared his love of travel, nature, and fishing with them, their spouses, and seven grandchildren through many summer trips to a beloved lakeside cabin in Minnesota. He gave them a treasure trove of memories from many blissful days spent trolling on the pontoon, splashing in the lake, digging in the beach, and sitting around the campfire while swatting the millions of mosquitoes that always showed up but were never invited.

Terry will be remembered for his love for his wife and family, and his devotion to his Saviour Jesus Christ. His desire for others to know Jesus was the quiet motivation behind so much of his life’s work, from his time at Back to the Bible, to his years at Dallas Seminary and his love of learning Greek, to his time teaching high school students at Youth for Christ.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Jerome & Iris Lyon, and by his brother, Philip A. Lyon.

Terry is survived by his wife, Kathy Lyon; his children, Jennie Maddocks (John), Todd Lyon (Betsy), and Christy Lyon; his grandchildren, Ethan, Jack, Silas, Emmeline, Maddie, Matthew, and Henry; and by his brother Dennis Lyon (Gloria), and his sister-in-law, Roxie Lyon.

The family gives heartfelt thanks to the many caregivers who so skillfully and compassionately cared for Terry, both at home and at memory care facilities, as he fought the devastating impacts of Lewy Body dementia.

A Celebration of Terry’s Life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, February 20th, 2026, at Resthaven Funeral Home in Fort Collins, CO. Please join Terry’s family for a reception to follow and a time of fellowship, laughter, and remembrance.

Those that may not be able to attend Terry's service in person may join via live stream at: client.tribucast.com/tcid/c26023221230236

In lieu of flowers, the family gratefully welcomes contributions in Terry’s memory to Seven Lakes Memory Care.

Fond memories of Terry and words of condolence for his family are welcome at resthavencolorado.com.