David James Lyons

He was born on the 14th of June 1942, in Toledo, Ohio. David attended Ohio University, where he earned his undergraduate degree and met his college sweetheart, Haruko Nomoto. The two were married on the 18th of December 1965.

David lived a life marked by extraordinary professional accomplishment, intellectual brilliance, and deep devotion to his family. He earned his Ph.D. in Geology from Washington State University and built a distinguished career spanning more than four decades in global petroleum exploration and geoscience. He began his career with Shell Oil, where he quickly rose into leadership roles, including project leadership and research supervision. He later served as a consultant for the Japan National Oil Corporation, advising on exploration efforts across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

David continued his work through a California-based consulting partnership before joining Exxon, where he spent over two decades as a project leader, team lead, and advisor. His work took him across the globe, contributing to major exploration and development initiatives throughout Africa, the Middle East, and beyond. Respected for his expertise and strategic thinking, David played a key role in advancing geoscience technologies and guiding complex international ventures.

While David’s professional accomplishments were remarkable, his greatest pride was always his family. He cherished time spent with those he loved and was a devoted husband, a dedicated father, and an adoring grandfather. He and his beloved wife, Haruko, shared a passion for travel and adventure, exploring the world together and creating lasting memories on annual trips with their granddaughters.

David also found great enjoyment in participating in classes at the Thomas A. Glazier Senior Education Center, including senior boot camp, where he built meaningful friendships and found a wonderful sense of community and support.

He was wise, dedicated, and deeply generous, and is remembered for the love and care he showed his family.

David was preceded in death by his wife, Haruko Nomoto Lyons; his daughter, Sarah Sanae Lyons; and his parents, Gwendolyn Lyons and James M. Lyons.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving daughter, Jennifer Sumi Lyons Lang and her husband, Philip Lang of Cypress, Texas; his granddaughters, Hayley Lang of The Woodlands, Texas, and Amanda Schleich and her husband, Layton Schleich of Lincoln, Nebraska; his sister, Judith Lyons of Allentown, Pennsylvania; and Doug and Brenda Lyons. He is also survived by many other loving relatives and friends.

A memorial service celebrating his life is to be conducted at ten o’clock in the morning on Friday, the 10th of April, in the Chapel of Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, 13001 Katy Fwy in Houston, where Chaplain Charlie Flanagan will officiate. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family and share remembrances during a catered luncheon in the adjacent reception room at Memorial Oaks. Inurnment will follow at two o’clock via an escorted cortege to Glenwood Cemetery in Houston, where he will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife and daughter.

David will be remembered for his sharp mind, unwavering determination, generosity, and the deep love he held for his family. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the family he so dearly cherished.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Namita, Linh, and the entire caregiving team at FirstLight Home Care for their compassionate care, kindness, and support over the past six years.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family would like to request that memorial contributions be directed to the Parkinson’s Foundation, or online at parkinson.org.