Troy Leon Lyon, 84, of Ozark, MO passed away August 16, 2022. He was born November 29, 1937, to Charles E Lyon and Lillian (Crook) Lyon in Nebraska City, NE; delivered by his grandmother on the Crook family farm in rural Otoe County. He is survived by his wife, Marylou Lyon of Ozark, MO, and children: Dean Ray and wife Annette (Alexander) Lyon, of Crane MO., Mary Beth (Lyon) Owens of Ozark MO., Troy Leon and wife Sandie (Young) Lyon, of Ansley, NE., Lynn Lee Lyon and wife Mary (Stewart) Lyon, of Johnson, NE., Kathleen (Lyon) Busch and husband Jonathan Busch of White Lake, SD., Ross Edward and wife Cassondra (Hoback) Lyon of Giltner NE., and Jess Laverne and wife Kristi (Gray) Lyon of Ozark, MO.

Troy had many fond memories of both competition and solidarity between him and his two older brothers. He spoke often about the opportunity to play football together at Doane College. These times impacted his future as he later went on to play football at Peru State Teachers College and graduated with a teaching degree. He spent 16 years teaching and coaching high school athletics and a lifetime cheering and advising various family and friends in their academic and athletic endeavors. He was the consummate competitor who was quick to give advice or encouragement to a child or grandchild in the midst of competition. He loved to work with the young men and help them develop into manhood through his coaching and association with them. Recently a former player recounted, "If it weren't for Mr. Lyon I would have never gone to college." He taught his players to go beyond where they were and not make their championship team the last good thing they did in their life.

Troy met Marylou for the first time when he went to her house to play a card game at the invitation of her brother. She was 14 and was tasked with supplying the guests with Kool Aid and chips. They were married on December 28th, 1958, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Nebraska City, NE. Marriage and family were very important to Troy and impacted many decisions he made. He demonstrated his commitment to his family and his devotion to his wife over the years as his children grew and brought grandchildren home to enjoy.

A radical pivot took place in Troy's life when he encountered Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and Lord. This encounter was life changing and impacted the course of his and many family members lives. The one constant for him throughout his life was the faithfulness he found in Jesus Christ, a truth he did not shy away from talking about with anyone. You did not have to visit with Troy very long before he talked about his love and commitment for his Lord and his desire to see those around him experience the transformation and faithfulness of God he had experienced. He made it a point to share his faith with his family. Troy's routine of starting the day out at the table reading his bible is a lasting legacy to all his family.

Over his lifetime Troy enjoyed a number of different activities and passions. He was a passionate patriot who served his country in the Marines, a service he considered as a privilege and an honor. This love and honor of country he passed on to his family. Troy also was enjoyed Husker football and followed the team with enthusiasm over the years. He loved to talk football with his children and grandchildren. The only thing he may have enjoyed more was giving his grandchildren rides on his tractor and even teaching a few of them how to drive.

Troy loved to Garden. There was something satisfying for him to create and grow something from the dirt, a love that was put into him growing up on the farm as well as spending much time with his mother putting up produce from their garden. He enjoyed being outside his entire life and welcomed others to join him. Whether it was gathering firewood, setting up fires for roasting marshmallows, working on cars and mowers and bikes, taking kids fishing or untangling fishing lines, Troy enjoyed spending time with others. During these times he was the consummate teacher and communicated a "common sense" approach towards problem solving and decision making. He was steadfast and loyal to what he was involved in.

Troy also worked for the Deferred Giving and Trust with the Assemblies of God as well as served as the Executive Director at Teen Challenge of the Ozarks. No matter the setting Troy was compassionate, consistent, and equitable with the people he reached. While he was a champion for the underdog, he also respected his peers and showed heart and graciousness to those he encountered.

Marylou said that after their wedding day she observed Troy to be "satisfied" with a sense of "home" that they had created together. Throughout the years he always enjoyed coming "home" following trips and activities. Today, we know that Troy is experiencing the true satisfaction of his heavenly HOME as he enjoys the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Midwest Cremation and Funeral Services, Springfield, MO.

The Celebration of Life is November 26, 2022, 1pm at Schweitzer Church Student Center 2701 E Sunshine St Springfield, MO 65804 (Blue & Tan Building). The interment is being held Monday, November 28, 2022, 9:00 am at the Missouri VA Cemetery.