David Lyons

David “Dave” Thomas Lyons, 76, was called home to be with the Lord on February 22, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Dave was born in Galion, Ohio, on October 15, 1948. Upon graduating from high school in 1966, he embarked on a lifetime of service, starting as an orderly at his local hospital. He continued his career in healthcare by voluntarily joining the Army in 1970, where he worked as an operating room (O.R.) technician, caring for and treating wounded soldiers in Vietnam. After leaving Vietnam, he served at Walter Reed Hospital, where he met and married the love of his life, fellow O.R. tech Patricia “Patty” Emerson. They shared 52 wonderful years of marriage.
After completing their military service, Dave continued his education and obtained his nursing degree. He graduated from North Idaho Technical College with honors and was nominated for Student of the Year.
When Mount St. Helens erupted in 1980, ash covered the Lyons family home, prompting them to relocate to Marshfield, Wisconsin. Dave accepted a position on the surgical team at St. Joseph’s Hospital. During that time, he also returned to serving his country as a First Lieutenant and registered nurse in the Army Reserve; he was called to active duty during Desert Storm. Dave retired from nursing after working for 15 years at Marshfield Clinic.
Dave’s service to others was not limited to healthcare and the military. He proudly served his local government in Pittsville, Wisconsin, for 20 years in various positions, including coroner, three terms as mayor, and as a member of the Wood County Board. He also served as a volunteer firefighter and shared his love of pottery by teaching classes in Pittsville. Additionally, Dave was a proud member of Crossroads Church (Pittsville) since 1981, where he filled multiple roles, including board member, deacon, and Bible study leader. He enjoyed exploring Christian theology and sharing his knowledge with others.
For 20 years, Dave honed his artistic abilities as a potter, creating thousands of pieces that were sold or gifted to many people in the area.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Vera Lyons. He is survived by his wife, Patty; younger sister, Bonnie; two children, Melanie (Mike) Banwart, and David (Sussane) Lyons; and six beautiful grandchildren: Micayla, Jonathan, Anne, Zea, Alex, and Aleah.
Visitation will be held from 6-8:00 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 28, 2025, at Crossroads Church in Pittsville. The funeral service will be at the same location at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 1st. He will be interred at the Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in King, Wisconsin. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in David’s name to the Never Forgotten Honor Flight that will be collected at the funeral.