Elden Rex Lyon

Elden Rex Lyon went peacefully to be with His Lord and Savior surrounded by his loving family. He was 88 years old, and a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, disciple, and friend.

He was born in Reamsville, KS to Fay and Ethel (Spurrier) Lyon. He grew up during the depression on a rural farm. He left home at age 17 and traveled to California living on odd jobs picking fruits, and nuts with a close friend. Elden joined the Army in 1947 and went to Japan shortly after jump school. He married Roma Ardella Meyer August 16, 1950, and shipped out to Korea in September 1950-1952 with the 187th Airborne, participating in the first combat jump. Elden was later assigned to the 101st Airborne, and finished his Army career in the missile field, including a 3-year stint in Okinawa supporting the Hercules missile program. Elden retired in June 1967 after 20 years of service.

Elden was a dedicated IBM employee for 29 years in Colorado Springs. He loved working for IBM, where he studied and advanced from typewriter repairs to service in computer systems. He was well known as both considerate and determined, not giving up until the job was done. People enjoyed his positive and joyful spirit on the job.

Elden’s final “official” career was as a Handyman in Colorado Springs for over 10 years. He was known for his honesty, attention to detail, and excellent work. During this time of life Elden would often get “special requests” from family, who now have many wonderful stools, shelves, and toys handcrafted by him.

Elden is survived by the love of his life, his wife Roma, his 4 children Jeffery Lyon (Gloria), Tedi Dupont (Eric), Shawn Hunt (Daniel), Holly McMonigle (Dennis), his grandchildren, Joel, Greg, Caleb, Tess, Zachariah, Molly, Riley, Claire; 5 great grandchildren Olive, Boston, Sailor, Rosie and Alex; his sisters Helen Bridgewater, Betty Eller, Wilma Lewis and brother Dale Lyon. He is preceded in death by his brothers Lloyd Slonaker, Arven Lyon, and Dean Lyon (a WWII casualty).

Elden loved life, and lived it well. He loved the mornings, God’s wondrous creation, good food and hearing what Roma was planning for the next meal, gardening, and gatherings with family and friends. We loved Elden’s sparkly blue eyes, positive attitude, his friendly laugh, and how he could show his love for each person as unique individuals.

A memorial service will be held Feb. 6th at 2:00 PM at Pulpit Rock Church at which Elden & Roma are long time members.

Memorial donations can be made to:

Good Samaritan Ministries, Jail Ministry, 636 Jadwin Ave., Suite C, Richland, WA 99352