Earl D. Lyons

Earl David (Butch) Lyons, 72, of Ogden, IA, formerly of Beatrice, NE, passed away at his home on Friday morning, March 23, 2018 after a two year battle with leukemia.

He was born December 15, 1945 to Earl Myron and Marie Josephine (Konz) Lyons in Selma Township, Cottonwood County, Minnesota. He attended St. Paul Catholic School and graduated from Comfrey High School in May 1964. Earl served in the US Army from 1965-1968; first serving in Germany, then volunteered to serve his last year in Vietnam. He received an honorable discharge in February 1968. Following his service, Earl married Ida Greenberg in May 1968. To this union, four children were born; David, Douglas, Dennis, and Lisa. He later married Vera (Clapper) Dappen on November 23, 1990. From that marriage, he gained two step-children; Ronald and Karen. Earl worked in Springfield, Minnesota at the Oakes Brick and Tile Co., Farm Automation in Beatrice, Nebraska, attended and graduated from Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center and served as Police Chief at Hanover, Kansas for 12 years. Earl and his family then moved to Beatrice, Nebraska in 1985, where he worked as the custodian of the Centenary United Methodist Church until 2004. Shortly thereafter, he and wife, Vera, moved to Perry, Iowa, then to Ogden, Iowa that following March to make their home.

Earl was an avid gardener, always sharing produce with his neighbors, had a green thumb for yard work, was a shade tree mechanic working on automobiles and lawnmowers, loved to camp and fish, enjoyed old western movies and country western songs. He was known to be a jokester, and he never missed an opportunity to cruise the aisles of Walmart, no matter the location. Earl was a member of the American Legion for 44 years, currently of Post#55 of Ogden and was a Quilt of Valor recipient.

Earl is survived by his wife, Vera of Ogden, Iowa; four children, David (Christina) Lyons, Douglas Lyons (significant other, Kim Backer), Dennis (Jessica) Lyons, and Lisa Milke all of the Beatrice, NE area; two step-children Ronald (Katie) Dappen of Los Angeles, CA, and Karen (Anthony) Thompson of Granger, IA; fourteen grandchildren; four great granddaughters; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Marie; Brother, James Lyons; Sisters Nellie Peterson, Eleanora (Nicky) Anacker, and Janet (Pudgy) Coners.

A memorial service will be held at the Community United Methodist Church of Ogden, IA on Wednesday, March 28, 2018 at 10:30 a.m., with Pastor Gary Hoyt officiating. A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m., until the time of the service at the church. A flag presentation will be conducted by the Boone Veterans Council. It was Earl's wishes to be cremated. His ashes, along with Vera's, will be buried at Evergreen Home Cemetery in Beatrice, Nebraska at a later date. A memorial has been established to the family's choice with Carson Funeral Home in charge. For online obituaries and condolences visit: www.carsonstappfuneralhome.com