Eugene William Lyons

Eugene William Lyons (1927-2020)

Eugene Lyons
Eugene Lyons

It is with great sadness that the family of Eugene (Gene) William Lyons announces his passing on Wednesday, June 17, 2020 at the age of 92 years.

He was a devoted husband and father who cherished his family and also dedicated much of his time to his community in Amarillo, Texas, and in Oak Lawn/Evergreen Park, Illinois.

Gene will be lovingly remembered by his two children, Greg Lyons and Teresa DuPriest, and his granddaughter, Monica Lyons.

Gene was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 60 years, Carolyn; his brothers, Jack Prewitt, Joe Lyons, and Jerry Lyons; and his sister, Frances Lee.

After graduating from St. Mary’s Academy and Amarillo High School, Gene served in the US Navy in World War II.  He returned to attend Amarillo College, received a bachelor’s in business administration from the University of Texas-Austin, and later received an MBA from the University of Chicago in 1972.

Gene was a native of Amarillo.  His first full-time job was with Stanolind Oil Company.  He began his core business career in Amarillo with Pritchard & Abbott (’53 to ’55), Greiner-Madison Real Estate (’57 to ’62), and finally Mountain States Financial (’62 to ’67).  He and his family made the move to the Chicago area in August 1967, and he took a position as Senior Vice President at Evergreen Savings Association in Evergreen Park, IL.  He was promoted to President of Evergreen Savings in 1974, a position he held until 1982.  He joined Horizon Federal Savings Association in 1983, following the many changes to federal regulations of the Savings & Loan business.  After a very successful career in the banking industry, he retired in 1989.  Gene and Carolyn returned to Amarillo in 1999, a familiar place with many friends and family, to continue the later years of their retirement.

Often involved in civic service to his community, Gene was a member of the Amarillo Planning and Zoning Board.  Once moving to the Chicago area, he was on the Fire and Police Commission in Oak Lawn, Chairman of the Red Feather Campaign in Evergreen Park, Chairman of Evergreen Park’s annual fund raising drive for cancer, President of the Evergreen Park Chamber of Commerce, and President of the Oak Lawn Rotary Club.  He also volunteered his time as President of the Amarillo Serra Club and Vice President of the South Suburban Serra Club in Illinois.  He also enjoyed volunteering with his local churches.

Gene expressed often that he was tremendously thankful for all the support he received in Amarillo, especially in recent years.  He will be remembered by the many people whose lives he touched with his big smile and playful sense of humor.

A Funeral Service in memory of Gene will be held on Thursday, July 2 at 2:00 PM at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2525 Wimberly Rd., Amarillo, TX, with Rev. Nick Garner officiating.  Visitation will be held several days prior to the Funeral Service at the Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home, 2800 Paramount Blvd, Amarillo, TX.  Interment will follow the Funeral Service in the family plot at Llano Cemetery.

 

4 Replies to “Eugene William Lyons”

  1. Gene was my dearest friend. We had a friendship that spanned 75 years. There is no way I can assess the contribution he made to my life!!

  2. I am so sorry for your loss Teresa and Greg. Eugene was such an amazing person. It was truly an honor to know him. He was very dear to my heart. I think about him every day and I miss our talks and all the laughs we shared. God bless you and your family. I love you Mr. Lyons and I will never forget you.

  3. My heart is aching for you Greg, Teresa and Monica — but also for me. I knew my Dear Brother-in-law, Gene, before you! He was sweet, fun, interested in everything and everbody– and totally handsome and loveable! I loved him as himself, but also for how devoted he was to my sweet sister Carolyn!
    Bon Viaggio Eugene!
    Love, your sister-in-law, Lois Ann

  4. Grey, Teri and Monica. The sadness you are feeling is felt by loved ones around you. Our loss here on earth, is the Lord’s gain in heaven. My prayers are with you.

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