John Patrick Lyon

John graduated from Archbishop O'Hara High School, then attended Metropolitan Community College, where he earned an associate’s degree in Arts and an associate’s degree in Applied Science. John was an avid reader and passionate about writing. These interests led him to a bachelor's degree in English from Avila University and a master's degree in English from the University of Central Missouri.

John was a proud military man. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and later was assigned to the U.S. Air Force to serve in the Signal Support Group of the Fourth Allied Tactical Air Force (4ATAF) in Landsberg, Germany, supporting NATO and Allied Command Europe. John was a member of the Pershing Mobile Troposcatter section, where he was awarded the Joint Services Commendation Medal for outstanding service. After three years, John received an honorable discharge from the Army and joined the Air Force Reserve at Richards-Gebaur Air Force Base. He was an active member of American Legion Post 370 in Overland Park, Kansas.

Throughout his life, John pursued both his interest in technology and his love of teaching. He started his civilian career as an engineering technician, working at Midwestern Electronics and at Suntron. He was a dedicated educator, teaching at Metropolitan Community College, Kansas City Kansas Community College, the Electronics Institute, and the Aviation Institute of Maintenance. John was the media specialist for the Center School District in Kansas City, Missouri, which allowed him to combine technology, teaching, and helping young people. He guided students in setting up a public television education channel, and he worked with a group of gifted students in advanced computer skills. John was a department chair at Anthem University, and he served as a Technology Curriculum Specialist at Grantham University. John also worked as an aviation technician for Honeywell Aerospace in Olathe. He retired from the job sector as a telemetry technician for the Honeywell National Security Campus.

John believed in being a connected member of his community. As a cancer survivor, John was involved with the RA Bloch Cancer Survivors Park in Kansas City, Missouri, where he volunteered to update and maintain the Survivors computer, an early park feature. He also volunteered his time at Ronald McDonald House Charities, serving as house manager, one-man welcoming committee, and all-round helping hand. John was an amateur radio enthusiast, spending hours at his station connecting with people from around the United States and in other countries. He was a member of the Johnson County Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES), where he monitored multiple marathons and triathlons. He also participated in disaster simulations to ensure continued communication channels in the event of an emergency. He was a trained storm spotter for the Kansas City area.

John loved his family and enjoyed his roles as brother, husband, father, and grandfather. He was enormously proud of his daughter, Amy, and he found great joy in watching her growth and many accomplishments. No matter the circumstance or who needed help, John could always be counted on to extend a hand, lend an ear, or offer a ride. Grandpa John had a special skill in calming very young children, which earned him the nickname, “The Baby Whisperer”. John is survived by his beloved wife of thirty years, Loretta "Lori" Edington-Lyon, and six children: daughter, Amy Lyon (Rid Hoque); stepson, Dean Edington II (Casey Merritt), and child, Dean III; stepson, Greg Edington (Kait McBrayer), and child, Arlo; stepdaughter Mary Edington (Joel Campbell), and children, Logan and Alex; stepdaughter Christine (Nathan) Taylor, and children, Sean, Brianna, Zach, and Loretta; daughter, Elizabeth Jones, and children, Parker and Peach; and by his brother, Mark Bacon, and sister, Vicki (Charley) Boyd, and children, Adam and Mallory.

A visitation for John will be held Tuesday, April 25, 2023, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with Rosary Service at 7:30 PM at the McGilley & Hoge Johnson County Memorial Chapel, 8024 Santa Fe Drive, Overland Park, Kansas. A committal service will occur Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at 11:30 AM at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, 8321 Quivira Road, Lenexa, Kansas.

Donations in memory of John may be made to The American Cancer Society or any local cancer organization.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mcgilleyhoge.com for the Lyon family.