Lyons, Robert P. 'Bob'

Robert P. “Bob” Lyons, 82, of Maquoketa, died Saturday evening, Sept. 8, 2012, at Jackson County Regional Health Center, Maquoketa, following a sudden illness. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 12, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Maquoketa. Friends may call from 2 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Lahey Funeral Home in Maquoketa, and on Wednesday from 9 to 11 a.m. at the church, where a rosary will be held at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Maquoketa, with military honors.

Robert Patrick Lyons was born March 17, 1930, in Zwingle, Iowa, to James M. and Marion (Slattery) Lyons. He was raised on a farm in the Bernard-Zwingle area. He attended a one-room country school through the 8th grade and graduated in 1947 from St. Columbkilles High School in Dubuque.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1950, serving three years in Japan and Korea. He married Edith A. Hoerner in June 1954. She passed away in January 1973. He married Donna J. Temple on Feb. 21, 1974, in Maquoketa. She passed away Sept. 30, 2005.

Bob was elected Jackson County Sheriff in 1968, retiring in 1996. He was sheriff for 28 years, serving 4-year terms seven times. Before to serving as sheriff, he served four years as Deputy Sheriff for a total of 32 years in the sheriff's office. In younger years, he was employed at Dubuque Packing Co., Iowa Electric Light & Power and was self-employed.

He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, honorary member of Fr. Loosbrock Council 8269 Knights of Columbus, member and past president of Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 3866, a life member of O'Connor-Regenwether VFW Post 3633 and Timber City American Legion Post 75, where he served as past commander, member of Andrew AMVETS Post 62, 40/8 Volture Locale 583-Jackson County, Iowa State Sheriffs & Deputies Association and Jackson County Farm Bureau.

He is survived by two sons, Donald (Jayne) Lyons of Denison and Ronald (Renee) Lyons of Atkins; two stepdaughters, Denise (Jeff) Kopp of Marion and Diane Hayes of Maquoketa; four grandchildren, Robert, Jaicee, Jaired and Jaida Lyons; six stepgrandchildren, Chad and Nick Hayes, Michelle Millar, Sara (Gary) Mackey, AJ and David Kopp; four step great-grandchildren; three sisters, Ann Lammer of Dubuque, Jane (Dave) Boffeli of LaMotte and Linda (Bill) Mullinex of Marion; four brothers, Jack (Helen) Lyons of Dubuque, Ray (Sandy) Lyons of Kingman, Ariz., Gerry (Kathy) Lyons of Bernard and Joe (Barb) Lyons of Dubuque; and many nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; a son, Daniel in 2004; a brother-in-law, Ben Lammer; a niece and two nephews.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.laheys.com.

Published Sept. 11, 2012 in The Gazette