John Kenneth Lyon

, age 68 of rural Smithshire, Illinois died at 7:45 a.m. Thursday, May 17, 2012 in the Cottage Hospital in Galesburg, Illinois. He was born January 21, 1944 in Kansas City, Missouri, the son of Kenneth J. and Ruby J. Lant Lyon.

John was a graduate of Media-Wever High School and was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War. He was a crane operator for the BNSF railroad in Burlington, Iowa, and also farmed for many years near Raritan, Illinois. He was a dedicated member of the Henderson County Fair Board and had served as Fire Chief and volunteer fireman for the Raritan Fire Department. He raced stock cars for many years in Macomb, IL. and 34 Raceway in West Burlington, IA. He was active in Henderson County 4-H and was a member of the Stronghurst Lions Club, Roseville Masonic Lodge, and the Raritan Reformed Church. He enjoyed collecting antique guns, loved all animals, especially his dogs, and loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and his fiance.

Survivors include three daughters- Dawn Sparrow of Columbia, MO., Misty Lyon of Galesburg, IL., Wendy (Michael) Corzatt of Stronghurst, IL., one son - J.D. (Joy) Lyon of Farmington, Iowa, seven grandchildren- Kaitlin Sparrow, Grant, Carter and Ella Corzatt, Cody, Annie, and Rafe Lyon, his fiance - Cyndi Hennenfent of rural Smithshire, IL., and his mother in law - Doris Ruschill of Burlington, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service, with military rites, will be held at 5:00 p.m. Friday May 25, 2012 in the Raritan Baptist Church with Dan Ashton officiating. Following the service, everyone is invited to celebrate John's life from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at St. Patricks Community Center near Raritan. A memorial fund has been established, and will be designated later.