Robert Lyon Jr.

Robert A. "Bob" Lyon Jr., a resident of Springfield, Illinois, was born on October 22, 1938, in Chicago, Illinois, to Robert A. Lyon Sr. and Julia Scrip Lyon. He passed away peacefully on June 7, 2026, at the age of 87.

Bob was preceded in death by his first wife, Judith Harney Lyon, in 1998, and his second wife, Nancy Curtis Lyon, in 2025. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Sally (Harney) Berquist; nephew, John (Rosemary) Berquist; nieces, Kathy (Dale) VanLeeuwen, Patti Turnmire, and Amy (Drew) Pekkarinen; as well as numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.

Bob proudly served in the Illinois Army National Guard during the 1960s. He began his professional career working for the railroad before joining the Chicago Tribune, where he spent many years as a Manager of the Logistics and Dispatch Department. He took great pride in his work and was known for helping to support the younger generation that were selling newspapers at Tribune stands. A loyal reader throughout his life, Bob remained devoted to the Tribune long after his retirement.

In 1961, Bob married Judith Harney, and together they built a life and home in Palos Hills, IL. Their home reflected Bob's passion for gardening. He transformed the backyard into a garden oasis, cultivating beautiful roses for Judy to display throughout the house. Ever determined to achieve perfection, he carefully amended the soil to produce the bluest blossoms and waged a spirited battle against the squirrels that threatened his garden. Even with limited space, he found room for prized beefsteak tomatoes growing in pots outside the dining room balcony.

Following Judy's passing, Bob found love again and married Nancy Curtis in 2000. He moved to Springfield, Illinois, where their marriage was marked by friendship, adventure, and the freedom retirement afforded them. Together they traveled extensively, visiting many state capitals and sharing stories of their journeys with family and friends. Nancy introduced Bob to the magic of Disney. While Nancy collected Tigger figurines, Bob became an enthusiastic collector of Donald Duck memorabilia.

Their shared curiosity about politics and history led them to spend countless mornings reading the newspaper together from cover to cover. Throughout his years in both Palos Hills and Springfield, Bob treasured regular nickel poker games with childhood friends whose companionship remained important to him throughout his life. He also enjoyed relaxing with a glass of Johnnie Walker Black Label while watching the news.

Bob died peacefully at The Grove Health and Rehab Center in Jacksonville, Illinois on June 6, 2026.

He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his love of the Chicago Tribune, and the friendships he maintained throughout his life. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Services entrusted to Bisch Funeral Home West, www.bischfuneralhomewest.com.