William R. Lyon

CHELSEA—William R. "Bill" Lyon, 72, died Saturday, March 15, 2008 at his home, after a short illness.

He was born September 16, 1935 in Chelsea, the son of Clyde W. and Lyla A. (Downing) Lyon. He attended school in Bradford and Hartford and later, Chelsea High School.

In May 1954 he joined the U.S. Army. He served for two years, before being discharged in March 1956. On April 19, 1957, he married Doris "Dot" Taplin in Chelsea. They lived all their married life in Chelsea.

For many years, he ran a sawmill on the First Branch with his dad, hauling logs and sawing lumber. For 16 years he drove a bus for Stagecoach in Randolph, and for many years he drove a bus for City Wheels in Barre, before retiring in 1998.

He was a member of George Washington Lodge #51 F&AM and the Chelsea Fish & Game Club. He enjoyed fixing things for the secondhand store in South Royalton, fishing, playing ping pong, deer hunting and camping in his motor home. For many years, he was the leader of the Lyon Family Band, playing guitar and banjo with his family throughout the area.

Survivors include his wife, "Dot," of 50 years; three sons, Greg Lyon, Leigh Lyon, and Mike Lyon; and a sister, Vivian Tucker, all of Chelsea; three grandchildren: Krishjan Lyon, Langdon Lyon, and Billy Bob Lyon, all of Chelsea; a stepbrother, Bernard "Snook" Downing of Chelsea; a stepsister, Donna Murphy of Arizona; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents and a sister, Lois Lyon.

There are no public calling hours. A graveside memorial service will be held at the Highland Cemetery in Chelsea later this spring.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Red Door Thrift Shop, Attn: Raylene Lemery, P.O. Box 15, Bethel, Vt. 05032.

The Boardway & Cilley Funeral Home on Main Street in Chelsea is in charge of arrangements.

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