Floyd Dean Lyons

Floyd Dean Lyons, 85 passed away peacefully in his home on Saturday, June 8, 2024, and has joined a host of family members that preceded his departure to a new heavenly home. Dean was born on August 24, 1938, in Perrin, Texas to Cecil Thurman Lyons and Annie Mae (Cook) Lyons. Cecil, Dean's father died just prior to WWII from an incurable infection, consequently, Dean learned about hardship at a very early age. The family had to learn how to live frugally as Annie, alone, did her best to provide for three growing boys. Life for Dean was family, school, basketball, work, and learning how to fix everyday problems. To help the family, he would pick cotton, throw hay, or mow yards. These early experiences served him well for the rest of his life. Dean’s love of family and his extended “heart family”, provided ample reason for vacationing, and vacation they did! Dean always saved for that big summer vacation, where his own children and later grandkids and great-grandkids, who knew him affectionately as “Papa“ would always enjoy fishing, camping, exploring America's national parks in addition to monuments and museums all over the mid-west, west coast, and Washington DC. Those who knew Dean understood that to his way of thinking, any day was a good day to go for a drive, sometimes a long one. Of course, as the leader of the pack, Dean understood the value of memories, so his trusty camera was always there to document the trip. Many photographs and videos serve the entire family as a cherished journal of memories so dear to us all. Dean started his education in Perrin, TX, and was valedictorian in 8th grade. Learning was one of Dean's greatest strengths, but public speaking was uncomfortable for him so he vowed not to do as well in the future so that he would never have to speak in front of others again. In high school, his passion turned to basketball. “I wasn't talented, I just worked harder than others”, is what he would say if asked. His coach saw his efforts and in his senior year invited a TCU scout to watch Dean play. Whether or not he might have made the team, Dean chose to leave Texas for the adventure of California, hunting and fishing with his uncle. Dean later regretted not sticking around to try out for the TCU team, but he retained a passion for the game and became a “Horn Frog” fan for life. Accompanied by his loving, and lifelong companion Connie, they rarely missed a game. In 1958, Dean enlisted in the Air Force and served as a cryptographer. As always, family came first, so he would send money home to his mama. But there was some time for fun, and one day his buddies convinced him to get in the ring and wrestle a bear. Strong as an ox he was, and wouldn’t you know it, he “won”! On June 2nd, 1962, Dean married Connie Erlene Erwin, and she was the love of his life. His new job would be to provide the financial security he desired as a youngster. Dean’s career started first when he was hired on with a telephone construction company; in Colorado Kansas Wisconsin where he set and climbed poles throughout much of the mid-west. He was later hired by Southwestern Bell, where he became a manager for about 2 years then he decided he was tired of putting TP in the bathrooms and pushing all the safety codes which he didn't believe in, so he went back into the switch room where he could use his brain. Dean retired from Southwestern Bell after 35 years of service. When not traveling or working, Dean made time to maintain everything on the family farm. And after retirement, this was his passion. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t fix…even if it took more than one attempt. Dean spent many weekends entertaining family and friends and feeding all comers the best darn steak in Texas, and it weren’t no small steak neither. Floyd Dean Lyons is preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Annie, and his brothers, Allen and Jimmy Lyons. Those left behind to cherish his memory include his wife, Connie Lyons, children James Lyons and Deana Jacoby, 3 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren, along with a large extended family and friends. A visitation will be held from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM on Sunday, June 16, 2024, at Coker Funeral Home in Jacksboro. A memorial service will follow starting at 2 PM. If so desired, memorials can be given to: Beyond Faith Hospice 604 Oak Street #102 Graham, Texas 76450 Or Bible Baptist Church 241 Live Oak Street Jacksboro, Texas 76458

Floyd Dean Lyons

August 24, 1938 - June 8, 2024