George Rick Lyons

George Rick Lyons, 99, died peacefully in his home at St. Dominic Village in Houston on July 25, 2013 surrounded by his devoted family and numerous other relatives and friends. George was loved and respected for his charity, warmth, kindness, integrity and loyalty to others. His mannerisms and witticisms continue to entertain those who knew him. Most importantly, his strength of character was grounded in his deep trust in God which he maintained through daily practice of the Catholic faith.

George was a native Houstonian. He was born October 18, 1913 at his home on 2110 LaBranch, one of eleven children. He attended Sacred Heart School and was a graduate of St. Thomas High School Class of ’31. At the time of his death, he was the oldest surviving graduate of this school. He received his B.A. in Theology from Assumption College in Windsor, Ontario, Canada where he studied for the Catholic priesthood from 1931 to 1936. However, through continual reflection he determined that the priesthood was ultimately not his calling and he left the seminary prior to taking his final vows. In 1939 he married Mary Elizabeth Gentry at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Houston. They remained deeply devoted to each other throughout their 61 years of marriage during which they raised 8 children who remain eternally grateful for the deep love bestowed on them by mom and dad.

George was an active member of Holy Ghost Catholic Church for 45 years where he engaged in many parish functions. He was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus. Following his retirement in 1970 from Cameron Iron Works after 30 years, he continued his work as a founding partner with Tri L & R, a machine shop that he formed with brothers Tommy and Johnny and lifelong friend John Russell. He spent the last 19 years of his life as a member of the St. Dominic Village community where he and Mary Elizabeth developed many lasting friendships. In accordance with his wishes, George spent his final days in his room at St. Dominic before he was finally reunited in the presence of the Lord with other loved ones, especially his beloved Mary Elizabeth.

He was preceded in his death by his wife, Mary Elizabeth; mother, Gertrude Agnes Rick Lyons, and father, Thomas Nicholson Lyons; sister, Mary Lyons Burke and husband, Tom; sister, Emma Theresa Johnson and husband, Bernard; brother, Michael Joseph Lyons and wife, Lucille; sister, Rose Frances Chambers and husband, Leonard; sister, Margaret Elizabeth Hamborsky; brother-in-law, John McConnell; brother, Joseph Patrick Lyons; brother, Thomas Nicholson Lyons, Jr.; brother, John Berkman Lyons; brother-in-law Charles Burrus Fletcher, and, daughter-in-law, Mary Jane Lyons.

Surviving sisters include Mary Elizabeth “Bebet” McConnell and Agnes Catherine Fletcher. Surviving children are Robert Rick Lyons; George Edmond Lyons and wife Janet; James Patrick Lyons and wife Sheila; Joseph Francis Lyons and wife Jenny; Stephen Thomas Lyons and wife Nancy; Philip Christopher Lyons; Elizabeth Marie Lyons; and, Lawrence Edward Lyons and wife Patty. Surviving grandchildren are: Elizabeth Rose Lyons; Molly Faith Lyons; Katheryn Alexandra Lyons; Christopher James Lyons and wife Carlie; Joseph Matthew Lyons and wife Julianne; Melissa Anne Lyons and husband Jean-Michel; Kimberly Diane Ellison and husband Banon; Ryan James Laney; Dustin Thomas Lyons; Richard Glen Ellison and wife Kelli; Chelsea Lauren Lyons; Richard Matthew Williams; Sara Catherine Lyons; Nicholas Andrew Lyons; and, Bridget Renee Lyons. In addition, George had 63 nephews and nieces, hundreds of cousins, and countless friends.

Visitation will be from 6-8 PM, Sunday, July 28, 2013, with a Rosary beginning at 7:00 PM and the Funeral Mass will be held at 10 AM, Monday, July 29, 2013 both services at the Warren Chapel, St. Dominic Village, 2401 E. Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77021. Rite of Committal will follow at Earthman Resthaven Cemetery. Light fare will be provided at the St. Dominic Village auditorium following the burial.

In lieu of flowers, please offer memorial gifts in honor of George Lyons at stdominicvillage.org/Make-A-Difference, or call JoAnn Nelson at 713-440-3428.