Robert "Bob" John Lyons

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Robert "Bob" John Lyons, who passed away peacefully in Boulder, Colorado on June 19, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of memories and a legacy of love for his family, faith, and friends.

Local Services in Sioux City, Iowa at Whitfield Methodist Church will be on Saturday, July 11, 2026.  Additional details including visitaiton, with the family present, will be added to this site when confirmed.

Bob was born on February 19, 1940, in Sioux City, Iowa, to Clark and Leota Lyons. He graduated from Moville High School in 1958.

Bob began his working career at Kingsbury Brewery before answering the call to serve his country. He honorably served as a medic in the United States Army from 1961 to 1964 and was stationed in Stuttgart, Germany. He was deeply patriotic and took great pride in having served his country. After returning home, he continued his strong work ethic at Younkers Warehouse and later enjoyed a long career as a salesman for Orkin Exterminating, where his gift for conversation and genuine interest in people served him well.

Above all else, Bob treasured his family. On August 20, 1960, he married the love of his life, Mary (Carlson). Together they shared nearly 66 years of marriage, building a life together filled with love, devotion, and unwavering commitment. Bob was a devoted father to his daughter, Laurie (Doug) Welch, and a proud grandfather to Catherine (Matt) Pettyjohn and his beloved grandson, Alexander Welch. He found immense joy in being a great-grandfather to Hudson.

When his grandchildren were young, Bob was lovingly known as "Ho-Ho." His oldest grandchild, Alexander, gave him that nickname as a little boy because Bob loved giving gifts just as much as Santa Claus. Whether it was a birthday, a holiday, or just because, Bob delighted in surprising those he loved.

For Bob, fishing wasn't simply a hobby—it was where he found peace. Whether casting for walleye on the lakes of South Dakota or fishing for sheepshead in the Gulf, there was nowhere he would rather be than on the water with a fishing pole in his hands. After retiring, he and Mary spent 20 winters in Port Aransas, Texas. Bob also had a special place in his heart for his beloved beagle, Sadie, whose faithful companionship brought him years of joy. A lifelong Iowa Hawkeye fan, Bob faithfully cheered on his favorite team through every season. He enjoyed trying his luck at dog racing and the slot machines. Bob was a faithful member of Whitfield United Methodist Church, where his faith remained an important part of his life.

Bob's life was a testament to faith, family, friendship, and finding joy in life's simple pleasures—a fishing pole in his hand, an Iowa Hawkeye game on television, a conversation with a stranger who soon became a friend, and, above all, time spent with the people he loved most.

He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 66 years, Mary; his daughter, Laurie (Doug) Welch; his granddaughter, Catherine (Matt) Pettyjohn; his great-grandson, Hudson; as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Clark and Leota Lyons; his parents-in-law, Herman and Myrtle Carlson; his beloved grandson, Alexander Welch; and his siblings, Ethel Bern, Doris Madsen, Alvin "Sony" Lyons, Nancy Johnson, and Margie Williams.

The family invites relatives and friends to join them in celebrating Bob's life on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Whitfield United Methodist Church. Family will be present beginning at 10:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. A luncheon will be served following the service in the church Fellowship Hall. A private family burial at Memorial Park Cemetery will take place afterward.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, a cause that was meaningful to Bob.

In keeping with Bob's wishes, we share the following poem that he chose to remember him by:

Gone Fishin'

I've finished life's chores assigned to me, So put me on a boat headed out to sea. Please send along my fishing pole, For I've been invited to the fishin' hole.

Where every day is a day to fish, To fill your heart with every wish. Don't worry, or feel sad for me, I'm fishin' with the Master of the sea.

We will miss each other for a while, But you will come and bring your smile. That won't be long, you will see, Till we're together, you and me.

To all of those that think of me, Be happy as I go out to sea. If others wonder why I'm missin', Just tell 'em I've gone fishin'.

Though his fishing pole has been set down here on earth, we find comfort in believing he has answered a greater invitation. His love, generosity, unwavering faith, and the countless memories he created with family and friends will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.