Alvin (Al) Leonard Lyons died peacefully at Providence Hospice Care Center in Everett, Washington, on June 18, 2022 with family by his side. He was born on March 12, 1932 in Marysville, Washington, to Orval Henry Lyons and Blanche Bates Lyons. He was the third of four boys raised on Getchell Hill, one of which survives, Wes Lyons of Port Angeles, Washington. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Beverley, brothers Stanley Lyons and Donald Lyons and grandson, Charlie Joe Cortez.
Al graduated from Marysville High School in 1950. His shop class was responsible for building the grandstands at the high school football field. He was an avid woodworker building cabinets, an occasional home and small furniture items for family and friends. He loved the look and smell of wood and could identify each piece clearly with an added story. He was friendly, never met a stranger, loved history, had a sharp sense of humor and a heart of compassion where needed.
He served in the US Navy during the Korean War on board the aircraft carrier USS Essex. In 1954, he married Beverley Jean Van Proyen . Eventually, he built his bride a home near Frontier Village and finished one room at a time, so it could be paid for when finally finished around 1968. The bricks for the chimney were salvaged from Marysville High School when it was damaged by an earthquake. The front yard became a place where the neighbor kids played football, baseball and basketball. Needless to say, the grass was always worn.
His working years included the Boeing Company, OK Tire Store, Everett Plywood and other construction related jobs. As the family grew, Al and Bev became Pastors of the County Church in Lake Stevens that later became Kingsway. He was a big part of the building program and vision for this facility that later included a school.
Al and Bev had a heart for opening their home for foster children for many years. Also, their love of mission work included Jamaica with trips to Mexico, Central America, South America and beyond.
Al is survived by his daughter, Rhonda Lyons Olsen, Lake Stevens; sons Randy (Annette), Jewell, Kansas; Rick (Roni), Lake Stevens and Alan (Paula) Cortez, Marysville; eight grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and a host of long-time friends in Snohomish County whom he cherished, including his best friend, Dean Crider.
The family graveside service will take place at Machias Cemetery. An open-house memorial gathering will be on Saturday, July 23, 2022. Location and time to be announced. A special thank you to GenCare Granite Falls, Neil's Loving Care AFH and Hospice care Center in Everett for making his final year doable. He fought the good fight and finished the race.
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Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.bauerfuneralchapel.com for the Lyons family.
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