Willard Franklin Lyons

Willard "Billa?? Franklin Lyons, age 92, went to be with his Lord, Thursday, September 22, 2011. He was preceded in death by his father Willard A. Lyons, mother Elizabeth Lyons and sister Betty Beaton. Bill will be lovingly remembered by his wife Wanda Lyons; sister Virginia O'Neill and nephew Gary (Sue) O'Neill and family. Bill was an ardent golfer and had 4 holes in one. Bill loved his country and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and purple heart for heroism in World War II. Bill had 3 loves: 1. God, 2. Wanda, and 3. Michigan State University.

Funeral Mass will be held 11 AM Tuesday October 4th at St Pius X Catholic Church 3937 Wilson Ave SW Grandville, with visitation prior to the service beginning at 10 AM. In honor of Bill, contributions may be made to Hospice of Michigan. The family welcomes memories and messages in their guestbook online at www.cookfamilycares.com.

"To Cpl. Willard Lyons, you are awarded the Bronze Star Medal for heroism in action.a?? The citations read as follows: "Corporal Willard Lyons, Infantry, Headquarters Company, First Battalion, 410th Infantry Regiment, for heroism in action. During the afternoon of 29 November, 1944 near ltterswiller, France, Corporal Lyons, a member of the Intelligence section, went forward to investigate a house believed to be an enemy command post. Without further orders he made a thorough investigation of the house. When the mission was accomplished, enemy fire opened up from nearby positions. On his own initiative he covered the withdrawal of the section. Because of the intensity of the enemy fire, Corporal Lyons remained at his post for two and one half hours. With his small arms fire he successfully repulsed attacks of the enemy who employed small arms fire, grenade and mortar against him. Only when the entire section had withdrawn to safety would he leave the area. As a direct result of Corporal Lyons heroic self-sacrifice the section was saved and the enemy was killed with several wounded. He further displayed magnificent courage the following day by guiding others to the contested area and helping to drive the enemy from the region.a?? Charles C. Haffner Jr., Major General, U.S.A. Commanding.

Visitation October 04, 2011 10:00 AM St. Pius X Catholic Church 3937 Wilson Avenue SW Grandville, MI

Funeral Service October 04, 2011 11:00 AM St. Pius X Catholic Church 3937 Wilson Avenue SW Grandville, MI

Interment Highland View Cemetery Big Rapids, MI

Funeral Home Service Cook Funeral & Cremation Services - Grandville Chapel 4235 Prairie St. SW Grandville, MI