Kenneth Gordon Lyon, 92, passed away on December 6th, 2022, in Paso Robles, CA. Ken lived a long, happy life and died peacefully at Creston Village Assisted Living from complications of cancer. He was born September 9th, 1930, in Turlock, California, to Marvin E. Lyon and Altha Mae Tucker Lyon. He was the youngest of five children and grew up on Roseburg Avenue in Modesto, California. He and his four siblings, Evelyn, Dorothy, Shirley and Clarence, were raised by their father, their grandmother Phoebe Lyon and their Uncle Howard and Aunt Gertrude Cardey who lived next door. There were epic football games between the Roseburg Gang and the Orangeburger Gang. He would tell his cousin Donna exactly where to run to and she would catch his pass every time.
Kenneth graduated from Modesto High School. He had a knack for basketball and although work after school prevented him from joining the high school team, he quite successfully participated in men’s night league play against older men and college level players. He served in the Army in Korea during the Korean War and his name is listed on the Roll of Honor in the Washington National Cathedral. While working at JCPenney in Modesto he met the love of his life, Dorothy Reasy, and they married June 14th, 1953. Ken and Dorothy were married 55 years before she passed away in 2007.
Ken began his oil career in Coalinga, CA. He was hired by Sun Oil Co., where he worked his way up in the organization to Field Technical Specialist. Eventually his job moved him to Taft, CA, where he and Dorothy raised their children, Marvin, Cheryl and Howard. In 1973 Sun Oil transferred him to the Santa Clarita area and he and Dorothy chose to live in nearby Fillmore, where he lived until the last several months. Ken worked into his 80s doing part-time work for his son-in-law, also in the oil business. When he finally tired of negotiating the ladders and getting on top of tanks, he decided it was time to give it up and enjoy the time he had left.
Although typically quiet in a crowded room, Ken had a great singing voice and would belt out an old tune now and then to the delight of all, especially the staff at his local bank. Hours before his death he woke up and sang some of the song I Believe. He was also very adept at whistling tunes. Ken enjoyed attending sports activities that his grandkids were involved in. He loved to be the chauffeur when the opportunity would arise to take them to school or sporting events.
Ken believed in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and was a member of Heritage Valley Bible Church in Fillmore where he attended regularly for many years.
Kenneth is survived by his sister Evelyn McDonell, cousin Donna Cardey Meeks, children, Marvin (Arleen), Cheryl (Mark), and Howard (Rusty), seven grandchildren, Kenneth (Callie), Evan (Rebecca), Michelle, Grant (Brande), Harrison, Garrett (Kelsey) and Ariana (Roland), and eight great grandchildren, John, Oscar, Jivan, Ezekiel, Vivian, Hunter, Vera and Canyon.
Special thanks to the staff at French Hospital, his caregivers, especially Susanne, Central Coast Hospice, and all who were praying for him. A service of remembrance will be held at 10 a.m., January 21st, at First Baptist Church (Heritage Valley Bible Church), 1059 First Street, Fillmore, CA.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27