CMSGT Jerry A. Lyons, 87, of O’Fallon, IL, a proud veteran of the United States Air Force, born on March 8, 1937, in Owensboro, KY, passed away Sunday, September 15, 2024.
Jerry enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1954. He valued this service highly and attained the rank of Chief Master Sergeant working primarily in Intelligence Operations. As part of this service, Jerry served in Yokota Air Base, Japan, Pleiku Air Base, Vietnam, Wiesbaden Air Base, Germany, and SHAPE, Belgium. CMSGT Lyons was awarded the following honors: Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with six oak leaf clusters, Army Good Conduct Medal with two loops, National Defense Service Medal with one service star, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two service stars, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with six oak leaf clusters, NCO PME Graduate Ribbon, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
Jerry retired from the USAF in 1985 and in 1986, he continued his service for an additional 24 years in support of the Defense Intelligence Agency most notably as Management Analyst, Intelligence Directorate for the United States Transportation Command. He was awarded the Outstanding Civil Service Award in 2011.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Katie Lyons (nee Crisp); and three siblings, William Lyons, Betty Sapp and Shirley Clark.
Jerry is survived by his beloved wife, Jacqueline Lyons (nee Quinton) and two daughters, Stephanie (Paul) Clark and Shawna Lyons as well stepdaughters, Ashley (Justin) Phillips, Alana (Dustin) Chassels and step grandchildren Rylie and Jordyn Phillips. His loved ones will remember Jerry’s incredible sense of humor, his passion for photography, history, travel, classical music and reading. He loved children and animals, especially his beloved whippet, Bebe.
Condolences may be made to the family at www.schildknechtfh.com.
Services honoring Jerry Lyons’ life will be private.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Schildknecht Funeral Home.
