Christopher Maris Lyon

September 6, 1950 – April 18, 2025

On April 18, 2025, Lieutenant Colonel Christopher (Chris) Maris Lyon (Retired) passed away at the age of 74. He was the loving husband of the late Linda Lyon; devoted father to Patricia (Ryan) Hope, Nancy (Timothy) Palmer, and Christopher Lyon Jr.; and proud "Poppy" to five grandchildren—Adam, Alexander, and Abigail Hope; Hannah and Mason Palmer.

Chris was born in Troy, NY, to Everett and Rita (Kelly) Lyon. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting from Siena College in 1972 and a Master of Management degree from Webster University in 1988.

Following his college graduation, Chris was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, where he served with distinction in Aviation and Logistics for over two decades. His military career took him around the globe, culminating in his appointment as the first Commander of the Defense Distribution Depot in Tobyhanna, PA. He earned numerous honors, medals, and commendations throughout his career.

A man of deep commitment to both service and community, Chris was involved in many civic activities. He served as President of the PTA in Fairbanks, Alaska, coached his son’s youth baseball team, and was honored as Grand Marshal of the Veterans Day Parade in Scranton, PA. He also represented the U.S. in international military community affairs in Worms, Germany.

Chris embraced life with a generous spirit and joyful heart. A lifelong music lover, he played guitar and led a rock band, The Missing Links. He was known for his love of singing, dancing, crossword puzzles, travel adventures, and slot machine fun with his beloved wife, Linda.

More than anything, Chris’s greatest joy and love was that of his family. His deep love for Linda never faded, and he cherished every moment spent with his children and his grandchildren. He was a devoted husband, a guiding and supportive father, and a proud, playful grandfather. To his grandchildren, he was lovingly known as “Poppy”—a title and role he held with immense pride and joy.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Linda, parents Everett and Rita, uncle and godfather George Kelly, sister Janice Decker, brother Mark Lyon and sister-in-law, Patricia Ludwig. Chris is survived by his children and grandchildren, his sisters Martha (Doug) Coursin and Mary Elizabeth (Brent) Boyd, his brother Stephen Lyon, sister-in-law, Mary Beth Lyon and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 27th, from 4:00–6:00 PM at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home. A funeral service to honor Chris’s life will take place on Monday, April 28th at 11:00 AM, also at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, followed by interment at Wake Memorial Park in Cary, NC. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to his favorite charities; Tunnel to Towers Foundation (T2T.org) and the ASPCA (aspca.org).

Chris will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His legacy of service, laughter, music, and unwavering devotion to family lives on in each person he touched.