Louis James Lyman

Lou was born to the late Earl and Vi Lyman on May 28, 1935, at Spencer Hospital in Meadville, PA. He was a devout Catholic, devoted husband, and loving father and Papa. Lou graduated in 1953 from Linesville High School in Pennsylvania. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in April 1954 as a Seabee stationed in Yokosuka, Japan. He was discharged after four years of service in March 1958, received a Navy Good Conduct Medal, and was in the Naval Reserves until 1962. After being discharged, he moved to Tampa, FL, where his parents then resided, and met and married Agnes. He worked as a mechanic at Stuart Diesel for a few years before being hired by Monarch Marking Systems (later bought out by Pitney Bowes) as a price marking machine repair technician until he retired after many years of dedicated service.

With his passion for cars and need for speed, he participated in drag racing in Tampa in the B/gasser class, driving his car named Plymouth Rock, powered by “Ye Olde Hemi” with Agnes as his pit crew. Lou loved traveling, and each summer the family took vacations to Key Marathon, FL, Pennsylvania to visit his home town, Niagara Falls, and Stone Mountain, GA, to name a few. He enjoyed the peacefulness of fishing, and spent time with his daughters fishing from local docks. Being fond of Bluegrass music, he and Agnes attended many of these festivals throughout the years, including annual events in Seven Springs, PA, and Jekyll Island, GA. He owned and restored several antique, American-made vehicles, won numerous car show trophies, and was a member of a couple of car clubs. Once retired, he and Agnes enjoyed driving to 49 of the United States, and he was extremely proud of this feat. He also joined the Polish American Society, for he loved polka music and the close camaraderie with members of the club.

Lou had a peculiar sense of humor and was quite the jokester. Many family members likely remember his “No-L” Christmas card gag. His grandchildren no doubt remember the “Touched-You-Last” contest. Christmas gatherings always included Jägermeister shots for all, while the tune “It’s Jäger Time” by Fritz’s Polka Band played loudly in the background. Lou loved and lived life to the fullest.

Lou is preceded in death by his parents James Earl and Viola Nettie Lyman, his beloved wife of 60 years Agnes, his siblings Parke (Margaret) and Penn (Debra), his son-in-law Mike Cernobyl, and grandson Otho “Trey” Neal Fletcher, III. He is survived by his daughters Sharon (Dan) Nelson, Phoebe (Mark) Broughton, and Teresa Cernobyl; grandchildren Michelle, Stephanie, Samantha, Kathryn, Harold Ray, Jr., and David; great-grandchildren Alexa, Allison, Luis, Elliana, and Jackson; and several nieces, nephews, and their children/grandchildren.

A private gathering of immediate family only has been planned.

For many years, Lou enjoyed meals at Ford’s Garage in Brandon, FL. He always requested his preferred Table 71, tipped the host $1 as being seated there, and was served by his favorite servers, either Adina or Samantha “Sam”. To continue this tradition in his honor and in lieu of donations, feel free to stop by Ford’s Garage in Brandon, FL, request Table 71, tip the host $1 as you’re being seated, and ask for Adina or Samantha “Sam” as a server, tipping them well. Make sure you tell them you’re there honoring Lou Lyman.