Loren D. Lyon, 80, passed away Thursday, January 19, 2023, at Smith County Memorial Hospital, Smith Center, Kansas.
Loren was born on May 4, 1942, in Logan, Kansas, the son of Chester Warniece and Irene (Crawmer) Lyon. On August 28, 1971, he married Elda Mae Widener in Kensington, Kansas. Loren was a United States Air Force veteran serving from September 20, 1960, to September 11, 1964, where he enjoyed driving a tanker truck and fueling aircraft until he was honorably discharged. Loren worked for Tamko in Phillipsburg for over 25 years before retiring from there. He and Elda then opened L&E Café in Kirwin and ran this business for 15 years, selling it in 2012.
Loren's passion was playing his guitar, he loved to play old school county music. He also enjoyed watching old western movies featuring John Wayne and Roy Rogers. Loren and Elda loved to go dancing as much as they could and bring the boys with them. He had a ornery streak in him and would play practical jokes on Elda. He always had a smile on his face and a joke to go along with it. He was a very kind, loving, and patient husband, father and grandfather. He loved his family and spending as much time as possible with his children and grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Mike Lyon; and a stepson, Danny James.
Loren is survived by his wife, Elda Lyon of Smith Center; one son, Matt (Shawna) Lyon of Hays, and two stepsons, Sam (Lana) James of Blue Hill, Nebraska, and Tom (Lisa) James of Athol; three brothers, Orlie Lyon of Logan, Randal Lyon of Speed, Lynn (Danette) Lyon of Phillipsburg; one sister, Connie Lyon of Eureka; 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
A celebration of Loren's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 26, 2023, at All Faiths Funeral Chapel, 113 S. Madison St., Smith Center, Kansas, with Pastor Tom James officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday, January 25, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral chapel.
Inurnment will take place at the Belmont Cemetery, Speed, Kansas.
Memorials may be given to American Legion Fred Marran Post #166 of Kensington and can be sent in care of the funeral chapel.