Tony Lee Lyons

Tony Lee Lyons, age 72, of Higbee, MO, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, after a short fight with cancer.

Tony was born on May 1, 1952, in Shelbyville, MO, to Chester and Doris (Mettes) Lyons. He graduated from Cairo High School in 1970. He honorably served his country in the United States Navy after high school until 1975. He then accepted a position with the Missouri Highway Department where he retired as Supervisor after 32 years. He worked part-time for the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Conservation, Census, and Lewis & Clark Survey, completely retiring in 2024. 

He married Rita Boggs on May 23, 1976, in Higbee, MO. Tony was a socially active man who was deeply involved with his family and friends. He enjoyed hunting, rock hunting, working around the home, Cardinals baseball, Kansas City Chiefs games, and hanging with Byron. His family and friends will always remember him for his sense of humor, talking nonstop, never meeting a stranger, and always lighting up a room with his smile and laugh. Tony was one of the hardest working men around. As much as he complained about mowing, we believe he secretly enjoyed it. His yard was always pristine. He loved to travel and loved going to places.

Tony is preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Doris Lyons; in-laws, James and Evelyn Boggs; sisters-in-law, Trudy Boggs and June Boggs; brothers-in-law, Gary Hawk and Mark Kirschman.; and nephew, Bryan Johnson.

He is survived by his wife, Rita, of Higbee, MO; daughter, Rusti (Greg) Johannaber, of Higbee, MO; son, Brandon “Jay” Lyons, of Higbee, MO; granddaughter, Haillie Yount, of Higbee, MO; and grandson, Bryon Johannaber, of Higbee, MO; sister, Linda Hawk, of Kansas City, MO; and cousin, Marvada (Junior) Wear, of Shelbina, MO; aunties, in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews.

A funeral service celebrating Tony’s life has been scheduled for Friday, November 1, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville, MO, with full military honors. A Remembrance Gathering with sandwiches and snacks (bring a dish if you want) will be served from 2:30 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the Higbee Lions Club. Everyone is invited. Memorial donations can be sent to Higbee Lions Club (3790 Mo-O, Higbee MO 65257), Higbee Senior Center (205 S. Railroad St., Higbee, MO 65257), American Cancer Society (PO Box 28566, St. Louis, MO 63146) or the charity of your choice.

Local arrangements are under the direction of Pathway-Millard Family Funeral Chapel, 411 Union Avenue, Moberly, MO 65270 (660)263-7284. . Condolences may be left online for the family at www.pathwaymemorial.com.