Edward Joseph Lyons

With heavy hearts, we mourn the passing of our dad, Edward J. Lyons, of Port Orchard, WA. He passed away at the age of 93 after a determined battle with leukemia. He has now joined our mom, Rita, his beloved wife of 62 years, who preceded him in death last year. Ed was a devoted husband, a dedicated father of five, a proud veteran and a lifelong outdoorsman. Ed could fix, build, or jury-rig just about anything— even building a beautiful home for his family from the ground up. He loved to drive America’s scenic highways, tend to his 5-acre property with his tractor, hunt, fish, shoot trap and skeet, garden, cultivate roses, and tinker in the garage.

Ed’s dedication—to his family, his community, and the things he loved—never wavered. He led by example, quietly shaping the lives around him through action more than words. He was the kind of man people turned to when something needed doing, and you could count on him to show up, roll up his sleeves, and quietly make it happen. Many who knew him called him mentor, hero, and friend. Though he could be gruff at times, his kindness ran deep, and his silence often carried more wisdom than speech. When Ed spoke, people listened—not because he demanded attention, but because his words came from experience and heart. His presence was a steady anchor, offering a sense of security and strength that never needed to be announced. He lived with grit, integrity, and a dry humor that stayed with him to the very end.

Ed was a family man through and through and loved the outdoors. True to his practical nature, he found ways to blend the two by planning family vacations that often included camping and fishing, visiting national parks, and driving down the coast to visit his sister’s family—where the ten cousins had plenty of adventures together. The family knew the routine: all seven of them—and often their dog—would pack up the night before, the next morning pile into his ’78 Ford pickup (maybe with the trailer hitched behind), and hit the road before dawn, pillows in hand and eyes still at half-mast. Whether heading out on one of those adventures or just off to Sunday morning Mass, Ed would say with a dry grin, “And we’re off like a herd of turtles.

Retiring as Master Chief after a 20 year career in the US Navy Submarines, he then retired in 1988 as Utilities Superintendent at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. Ed volunteered with the Kitsap Poggie Club, Bremerton Sub Vets, and the St. Gabriel Catholic Church soup kitchen. He was active with the Bremerton Trap & Skeet Club for 50 years, a board member for 25, and was presented with a lifetime membership award for all his hard work and dedication to the club. He belonged to Ducks Unlimited, held a life membership to the Kitsap Rifle & Revolver Club, and was a committee member with the local chapter of Friends of NRA.

Preceded in death by his wife Rita, and his sister Leanna Bean. He is survived by four siblings, Leonard, Barbara, Nora and Betty; son Joe, his partner Jamie; son Rick, his wife Jackie; daughter Sheila, her husband Chad; daughter Joyce, her husband Chris; daughter Linda; and six grandchildren.

Funeral Mass Wednesday, Oct. 22, 11:00 A.M. at St. Gabriel's Catholic Church, Port Orchard; Rosary at 10:00 A.M. the 22nd, in the church’s chapel located right inside the main doors. Reception immediately following Mass (approx. 12:00) at Rill Life Tribute Center located across the street from the church. Final resting place at Tahoma National Cemetery, Interment October 23, 10:45 A.M.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Wounded Warriors, an organization Ed particularly like to support.