Hugh R. Lyons Jr.

Hugh R. Lyons Jr., of Indianapolis, Indiana departed this life on Monday, December 30, 2019 at the age of 68 years. Hugh was born April 18, 1951 to Hugh Ray Lyons Sr. and Ursula Marie Lyons in Lebanon, Kentucky. He was raised in Indianapolis, Indiana. He attended and graduated from St. Rita's Elementary School.

At an early age, Hugh decided that high school was not meeting his expectations and disenrolled to pursue his journey as a lifelong student. Family members recall he always had a book with him. He later continued his formal education. He went on to obtain an Associate of Arts with an Academic Distinction from Ball State University in 1999. In 2000 he also obtained a Bachelors in Science Degree in History with Cum Laude Honors. Hugh Lyons Jr. wrote a screenplay entitled Black Yank, where he depicts the experience of an African American soldier returning to the United States from France at the end of World War I. Hugh Lyons Jr. also worked as a Licensed Barber in Indianapolis.

Hugh was one of the most intelligent people we will ever meet and also one of the most compassionate. He knew how to connect with everyone. He saw everyone and made sure they knew it and felt valued. He sacrificed his life and health as he planned and conducted participatory research of the impacts of crack cocaine on the black family and community in hopes of documenting it when the research was completed. Unfortunately, he was unable to complete his writings.

Hugh Lyons was also an activist for the African Liberation Movement. His fellow comrades know him by the name of Muata Obafemi Enaharo. Muata dedicated a number of years of his life fighting and advocating for prisoners to be treated and to remain human beings. While unjustly incarcerated for 18 years for a crime he did not commit, he organized and led political and educational groups within the prison.

Hugh Lyons was known as "Junnie" to his family. He loved and adored his family. He looked forward to family cookouts in the park and was excited by the idea of a big party with all of his family there to give a warm goodbye. He was preceded in death by his brother, John Ernest Lyons; father, Hugh Ray Lyons Sr.; and mother, Ursula Marie Lyons.

Hugh leaves to cherish his memories his brothers, Thomas Lyons and Joseph Lyons; sister, Dorothy Moore; daughter, Lona Lyons; grandchildren, Zola Lamothe and Emmanuel Clark; and a host of nieces, nephews, beloved Aunt, cousins and amazing and cherished friends.

Memorial Service for Hugh will be held, 2:00 pm, Saturday, March 14, 2020, at Broadway United Methodist Church, 609 East 29th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.williamsandbluitt.com for the Lyons family.