David Lyons

David A. Lyons, 79, a lifetime resident of Portland, Indiana, until the last three years when he became a resident of Wabash, passed away on Friday, July 16, 2021, at his daughter’s residence.

He was born on Feb. 21, 1942, in Jay County, Indiana, to the late Edward Dale and Irene Delee (McKinley) Lyons. Dave married Diana Ice on Jan. 18, 1964. She survives.

Dave was a 1960 graduate of Bryant High School. While attending Bryant High School, he was a member of the first sectional boys basketball championship team. Dave attended Purdue University and was a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity.

Dave owned and operated Dave Lyons Realty and Farm Management. He also was an insurance agent at Farm Bureau Insurance in Portland.   

Dave had many interests and belonged to several community organizations. He was a member of the Bryant Redeemer Lutheran Church. He was a pilgrim and past governor of the Moose Lodge for the State of Indiana, and he was a current member of the Wabash Moose Lodge #1195. He was member of the Eagles Lodge, Knights of Pythias, Elks Lodge and Jay County Fair Association and served as a Democratic precinct committeeman, Little League baseball manager, United Fund board member, March of Dimes chairman of fundraising, YMCA membership drive chairman, Jaycees and Lions Club, the Bryant Centennial Celebration chairman, Bryant High School Alumni Association president, Bryant Community Club and Jay County Historical Society.  

Dave loved baseball, coaching little league and softball for decades, and was an avid Portland Rockets fan. He was a lifelong Los Angeles Dodgers fan and wore #42 like Jackie Robinson. He loved hunting and fishing, arrowhead hunting, cats and dogs, especially English Setters. Dave always had a smile on his face, a twinkle in his eye and had a joke to tell, and never knew a stranger.  

Dave is survived by his wife, Diana; two daughters, Michelle (Dan) Sparling of Wabash and Susan (Russ) Reichard of Jasper, Indiana; one brother, Robert C. Lyons of Portland, Indiana; three grandchildren, Lincoln Davis Reichard, Danielle Alexandra Sparling and Brittanie Nicole Zimmerly; three great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and his dog, Charlie.  

Per Dave’s wishes, a private graveside service will be held at Gravel Hill Cemetery in Bryant, Indiana.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be donated to the David A. Lyons endowment fund for Jay County Baseball Association at the Portland Foundation, 107 S. Meridian St., Portland, IN 47371.  

McDonald Funeral Homes, 231 Falls Ave., Wabash, has been trusted to handle David Lyons’ arrangements.

Condolences may be expressed at mcdonaldfunerals.com.