Michael Bryant Lyons

Michael Bryant Lyons was born on June 15, 1945 to Oren and Lee Lyons in White City, New Mexico. He joins a sister, Lynda, all who preceded him in death. Michael passed away in his sleep with his service dog, pit bull Sweety, by his side. He was 73 at passing on Thanksgiving Day, November 22, 2018. His sweet dog was adopted by his Bible teachers, Chris Barre and Rich. Michael graduated from Downey High School in Modesto and Sacramento College. Mike was an incredible man, citizen, war hero and Christian, having seen combat duty in Vietnam with the Air Force Police. His unit helped save our Air Base from attack, and when the fighting was over, Mike and another warrior were the only ones left alive. They staved off the attack and thereby saved many of our soldiers’ lives. He carried many of the scars of war, both physical and mental to his death, as many of our soldiers do. After Vietnam, Mike made his life’s work with law enforcement, starting with the police in Riverbank and Modesto areas as sergeant, and a two year period as acting police chief in a Sacramento town. He also worked for the Modesto area sheriff’s department as sergeant. Later in his career, he worked for California State Internal Affairs and was also a trial representative for the police officers’ association, acting as representative for the officers. Michael retired and moved to the Montague, California area about 12 years ago, where he attended and joined the Montague United Methodist Church. Always a man of God, friend to all and a person who showed much love for his brothers and sisters in Christ as well as his faithful pets, Buddy and Sweety. He especially loved to go to the Dutchman restaurant in Montague, the Subway in Walmart and the shopping center with his dogs to hang out. People will remember the man with the blue Air Force cap and an Air Force jacket with sergeant stripes on it. He always had that big smile and a friendly “hi.” A memorial service and life celebration will be held on Saturday, February 9, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. in the Montague United Methodist Church, 150 S. 12th Street. Pastor Joe Morgan will officiate, with the military honor guard presenting the colors. A coffee and juice dessert social will follow. Michael’s family from Modesto and the Riverbank area will be in attendance. All are invited to come celebrate his life. Donations may be made to his favorite charities: The Rescue Ranch or the Sheriff Lopey Foundation in Michael Lyons’ name.

Michael Bryant Lyons

June 15, 1945 - November 22, 2018