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 father to five, a proud veteran and a lifelong outdoorsman. Ed could fix, build, or jury-rig just about anything—and usually did. He loved to drive America’s scenic highways, tend to his land with his tractor, hunt, fish, shoot trap and skeet, garden, cultivate roses, and tinker in the garage.

Retiring as Master Chief after a 20 year career in the US Navy Submarines, he 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.

Ed’s dedication—to his family, his community, and to the things he loved—was unwavering. He was an inspiration to many, fondly called an Old Coot by some and a hero to others. Sometimes he was gruff, yet often gentle, and wisely quiet. He met life with integrity, grit and good humor right up to his final days.

Preceded in death by his beloved wife Rita, his parents, Loretta and Leo Lyons, and his sister Leanna Bean and brother-in-law Jerry Bean. He is survived by brother Leonard Lyons; sisters Barbara, Nora and Liz (aka Betty); son Joe, his partner Jamie; son Rick, his wife Jackie; daughter Sheila, her husband Chad, their child Amelia; daughter Joyce, her husband Chris, their children, Trevor, Calvin and Chelsea; and daughter Linda, and her stepchildren Terrin and Justin.

Funeral Mass Oct. 22, 11am at St. Gabriel, Port Orchard; Rosary at 10 am in the church’s chapel located right inside the main doors. Reception immediately following Mass at Rill Life Tribute Center located across the street from the church. Interment at Tahoma National Cemetery.