Gene Lyons

LYONS, Gene Richard - Age 85, of Swartz Creek, died Tuesday, July 23, 2019.  Funeral services will be held 1:00 PM Saturday, July 27, 2019 at Sharp Funeral Homes, Fenton Chapel, 1000 Silver Lake Road, Fenton.  Pastor Michael Brown officiating.  Visitation will be held at the funeral home Friday from 1-3 and 5-8 PM and Saturday from 12 PM until the time of the service. Burial 10 AM Friday, August 2, 2019 at Great Lakes National Cemetery, Holly.  Those desiring may make contributions to Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Gene was born February 4, 1934 in Flint, the son of Jonathan R. and Mildred D. (Allen) Lyons.  He was a 1952 graduate of Flint Northern High School.  He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy.  He married Mary Salerno September 30, 1958 and she preceded him in death September 1, 2013.  He had resided in the Swartz Creek area his entire life.  Gene retired from the City of Flint in the Park and Recreation Department.  He was a member of the Genesee County Coaches and Officials Association.  He refereed professional wrestling, High School football and wrestling.

Surviving are: his children, John (Donna) Lyons of Swartz  Creek, Frances (Jeff) Matherly of Texas, Anita Miller of Swartz Creek, Gene, Jr. (Nancy) Lyons of Grand Haven, Tony (Amy) Lyons of Rockford, and Greg Lyons of Flint; 17 grandchildren and 14 1/2 great grandchildren; special friend, Janice Sabolish of Flushing; sisters, Ada McMechan of Westland and Elaine (Bill) Stratton of Grand Blanc; sisters-in-law, Carol Lyons of Davison, Anita (Chuck) Patella of Tiltonsville, OH, and Mary Salerno of Linden; and several nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; brother, Carl Lyons; .  Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.