Gerald Raymond Lyons, aka (Poppy) of Kirksville passed away Sunday, November 6, 2022 at his home.
Gerald was born October 15, 1947 on his dad and sisters birthday and was the son of Garnett and Audrea (Myers) Lyons. On October 15, 1993 he married Sandra Potter (Reed) and she preceded him in death.
Gerald is survived by three sons, Jeremy Lyons, Jackie Potter and Jamie Potter all of Kirksville; one daughter, Janie (Donald) Shultz of Novinger, MO; 18 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren; one brother, Bobby (Diana) Lyons of Kirksville; one sister, Greta “GG” Lyons of Columbia, MO; one brother-in-law, Charles Sevits of Novinger, MO and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Sandra; two granddaughters, Leticia and Kaylynn Potter; his parents; his sister, Ginny Sevits and one brother-in-law, Bill Weekley.
Gerald attended Mulberry rural School through 8th grade and 9th through 12th grade at Kirksville High School, graduating in 1965. He was active in Mulberry 4-H Club and caught the greased pig at the fair one year on 4-H day. He was active with FFA as well. He attended the Mulberry Presbyterian Church growing up. He helped his father on the farm with milking cows and farm work. He also helped many of the neighbors with haying in the spring.
Gerald joined the Navy after graduation and served three years from 1965 to 1968. He worked for the Kirksville Fire Department, Kewanee Plant, El Kadir Shrine Club, drove a semi-truck over the road and retired from Adair County Road and Bridge.
He enjoyed watching and playing with his grandchildren. He enjoyed watching NASCAR racing and truck & Tractor pulling. He enjoyed working in the fields with his brother-in-law, Charles. He enjoyed his dog Brutus. He said he had a good life and did almost everything he wanted to do except being a Sheriff.
Visitation will be from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. Saturday, November 12, 2022 with funeral service at 3:00 p.m. at Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home. Burial with military rites will be in Mulberry Cemetery northwest of Kirksville.
Arrangements in the care of Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home in Kirksville, MO.