Frank Lyon

Funeral Arrangements were made by:

WEITENBERNER FUNERAL HOME

228 WEST HURON AVE

BAD AXE, MI 48413

Frank Paul Lyon was an honest and caring gentleman, an active father who loved to spend time with his family. He earned great respect through a life devoted to service to his community in many different uniforms. Frank was a quiet and humble man who had a great sense of humor and an enormous heart.

Frank was born during a time of great change in America. Though the fighting of World War I had subsided, the fires still smoldered on the European continent. Meanwhile at home, the post-war boom was in full effect as many young soldiers returned to their waiting families. It was a time of relief and progression for the entire country.

Frank was born amid this time of transition to a family living in Weiser, Idaho on June 15th, 1918. His parents didn't stay very long in Idaho after Frank was born and moved the family all the way to Lakewood, Ohio. Frank was still very young when the move occurred, so he spent most of his childhood growing up in Lakewood. In his youth Frank enjoyed playing baseball, as well as many other typical children's activities. He developed his unforgettable sense of humor in these days and it no doubt got him in plenty of trouble. He graduated from High School in 1936 and took a job at an insurance company in Cleveland. Frank continued to sell insurance throughout the late 1930's and early 1940's. It wasn't until the entire country was shaken by the onslaught of WWII that Frank's life took a different path. Though he was older than most soldiers and already had a career, Frank answered the call to duty and joined the Navy. He was trained as a radio operator and served bravely aboard the USS LaSalle. Frank and the LaSalle spent their tenure of the war in the Pacific Theater of operation where they supported the massive naval operations taking place during that time. Frank served out his entire tour of duty and then promptly returned home to the United States. With the war behind him, Frank thought maybe it was time to put his insurance career behind him as well. He enrolled in the Michigan State Police Academy and became a full-fledged police officer in 1948. Frank was juggled around from post to post in those early days, serving all over the state of Michigan. He finally settled in the town of Bad Axe and worked regular patrols in the district. It was during one of the patrols near Monroe that Frank pulled over a young woman named Betty Shanabarger. Frank was interested in the young lady, and she gave him her address (and license and registration). He gave her a call and from there a romance blossomed, finally culminating with marriage in 1950. The new couple made plans to start a family and adopted their first child, a boy whom they named Mike. Mike was followed by two other boys, Kelly and Kerry and a girl named Polly. He loved to spend time with his children and was always the first to volunteer to coach a baseball team or serve on the school board. He wasn't overbearing, as dads often can be, but instead solved problems through example rather than talking with his children. One of Frank's best traits was his selfless and giving spirit. Frank showed this side of himself on several occasions but probably the best example came when Frank heard of a young girl who was having trouble at home and needed a place to stay for a few days. Margie was her name, and she ended up staying at the Lyon household for several years. He was also heavily involved in service organizations, including the Lions Club, Bad Axe School Board, and PTA. Frank was awarded a citation for bravery while on duty in 1963, and was later promoted to Sergeant in 1970. He retired from the force in 1973 and spent the next few years as a circulation manager for the Huron Daily Tribune. After nearly 50 years of working, Frank finally retired in 1985. He dedicated his retirement years to visiting with his friends and family. Gatherings involving the family were a favorite with Frank, especially Christmas dinner and his famous turkey. Frank's friends were also a very important part of his retirement. His friend Bart Howard used to pick Frank up each day and they would join others down at the McDonald's Spartan Store where they would enjoy their morning coffee. One should note that Frank didn't own a single article of clothing without a decent-sized coffee stain on it. This group also played poker and golfed at the Verona Hills Golf Course where he once had a hole-in-one.

Frank never yearned for the center of attention no matter where he was or what he did. He was content to be part of the crowd and didn't need special recognition for his good deeds. He continued to serve the community during his later years as a Lion and attained the rank of 32nd degree Mason. His impeccable service record aside, his greatest accomplishment was his family. Watching them succeed and grow brought him endless happiness throughout his life.

Frank was a quiet gentleman who seldom spoke and never complained. His actions however, spoke great volumes about his compassionate and generous heart.

Frank passed away on Thursday, July 24, 2003 at the Huron County Medical Care Facility. He is survived by his three sons, Mike and Becky Lyon of Bad Axe, Kelly Lyon of Kalamazoo, Kerry Lyon of Venice, FL; a daughter, Polly and Tom (Lyon) Baxter of Sarasota, FL and four grandchildren, Sidne, Mallory and Michael Lyon of Marshall, MI and Sara Baxter of Sarasota, FL.

Friends will be received Monday from 2-4 & 6-9 PM at the Weitenberner Funeral Home in Bad Axe. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Tuesday, 11:00 AM at Our Savior Lutheran Church with Rev. Kenneth Lueke officiating. Cremation will follow and inurnment will be held in Colfax Cemetery. To read Frank's complete life story, share a memory, send flowers, or make a memorial contribution to the Bad Axe High School Library, please visit his personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com.

Frank's caring and giving spirit brought light to many lives over the years. He will be greatly missed by family and community alike.