Larry Lyon

Larry Lyon, 71, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away unexpectedly on November 8, 2021. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on December 7, at 11 a.m., at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 1800 SW State Route 150 Highway, Lee’s Summit, Missouri. The family will greet friends at 10 a.m. Larry’s final resting place will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Larry came into this world on August 10, 1950, at St. Joseph Hospital in Kansas City. Born to Kenneth and Charlene Lyon, he was the second of seven children - brother and protector of Elizabeth, Susie, Nancy, Becky, Jean and Jeff.

His growing-up years were spent in Grandview, where he formed another ‘band of brothers,’ his much-loved childhood friends – Greg Albers, Ken Hilton, Dwight Jack, Doug Johnson, Chris Larrick, Joe McDonald, David Seals, Eric Thompson, Larry Young, Danny Hartman, BJ Welch, and those close to Larry that remain unmentioned.

Larry attended St. Catherine’s School and graduated from Grandview High School in 1968. Much like other young men of his generation, he served his country during the Viet Nam War. He joined the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged in 1971. He attended the University of Texas – Arlington and the University of Missouri – Kansas City, earning degrees in English and German.

Larry lived by the creed that opportunity doesn’t happen, it’s made. He secured the rights to distribute photographic film in Jackson and Clay Counties, acquired and managed real estate, booked and promoted concerts, brokered heavy construction machinery in Central and South America, and raised cattle and farmed in eastern Kansas. He would have considered it a lifetime achievement that he never worked for another person a day in his life.

Larry was a devoted son to his parents, who formed him in the Catholic faith. From them, he learned that values were more than the answer to Math problems. In their later years, he was a mainstay in the home providing care to his mom and dad. After Kenneth passed in 2013, Larry became his mom’s wingman and protector.

Larry was much more than that. He loved good food and live music, golf and skiing, Christmas and being on the water, bike riding and almost any game of chance. His siblings never wanted to be part of the last stand in Scrabble, Backgammon or Monopoly. His friends never wanted to be part of the last stand at Kelly’s or cards.

Most importantly, Larry taught us to love our life and what we’ve been given, “It’s no accident.” Larry was a seeker. From him, we learned to search for our purpose and do our best. Through Larry, we learned to recognize special people that we’ve been blessed to know…and, we are better for it. More than anything, we learned to live for today and to make every moment count.

While that last good-bye was never said, Larry will be dearly missed by his family. He is survived by his brother, Jeff Lyon (Lynette), and his sisters, Elizabeth Haynes (Harvey), Susie Young (Larry); Nancy Stephan (Mark); Rebecca Summers (Jim); and Jean Tadokoro; 20 nieces and nephews, numerous great nieces and nephews and their families. Also surviving Larry is his former wife, Kathy Wittman, who is still considered family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Summer Lunch Program coordinated by the amazing volunteers at Holy Spirit Parish.