CALAIS – Walter P. Lyons Jr., 86, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2011, with his loving family by his side at Calais Regional Hospital. Walter was born March 5, 1924, in North Sedgwick, son of the late Rev. Walter and Glenora (Wade) Lyons. He grew up in Milltown and graduated from Calais Academy, Class of 1942. After high school, Walter enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps, serving his country during World War II. After the war, he returned home and met his future wife, Ruth Leslie. They married Aug. 31, 1947. Walter worked for Dicenzos, Maine Central Railroad and drove truck for Frank Eaton before starting his career with Dead River Co., where he drove truck and was an oil burner repairman for 37 years. Walter enjoyed volunteering at Frank Beckett Center and served for many years as president of WARC board of directors. He was a member of Sherman Brothers Post No. 3 American Legion, St. Croix Yacht Club, and was past commander of Boyd-Smith Post 9779 Veterans of Foreign Wars, and held other local and state offices within the VFW. He also was a member of Eastern Area on Aging, Milltown Fire Department, and established Troop No. 134 Boy Scouts of America, Milltown. Walter enjoyed reading, traveling and spending time with his family. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Jeanette Deacon. Surviving are his loving wife of 63 years, Ruth Lyons of Calais; six children, Kent Lyons and his wife, Sherry, of Calais, Leslie Lyons and his wife, Kathy, of St. Stephen, New Brunswick, Laura Nixon and her husband, Millen, of St. Stephen, New Brunswick, Wade Lyons and his wife, Monica, of St. Stephen, New Brunswick, Stephen Lyons and his wife, Lynne, of Evergreen, Colo., and Amy Barnard and her husband Daniel Sr., of Calais; 12 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren; two nephews, Hal Deacon of Calais and Jimmy Deacon of Green Bay, Wis.; and a niece, Nancy Bolton of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. In keeping with Walter’s wishes, services will be private. Donations in Walter’s memory may be made to Down East Hospice, 24 Hospital Lane, Calais, ME 04619. Arrangements by Mays Funeral Home, Calais and Eastport. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.maysfuneralhome.com.
WALTER P. LYONS JR.
