Karen Dayle Lyons, nee Downing, 78, of Belleville, IL, born August 13, 1948, in White Hall, IL, passed away Monday, October 12, 2026, at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, O’Fallon, IL.
Karen was a 1966 graduate of Blue Mound High School and a United States Air Force veteran. She worked as a records keeper for Southwestern Illinois College and retired after 18 years of service. Karen enjoyed traveling the world any time she got a chance and joined her friends from PSOP in many other trips around the United States. She also enjoyed a little excitement and loved spending time at the casinos, trying her luck and enjoying the experience. Above all, her most cherished moments were spending time with her two sons, Tim (Lynn) and Greg, along with her two grandsons, Jacob and Paul.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Donald E. Lyons, whom she married on October 19, 1968, and who died on April 10, 1989; her parents, James and Pansy Downing; two sisters, Beverly Young and Geri Stewart; and two brothers-in-law, Lee Stewart and Dale Adams.
She is survived by her two sons, Timothy (Lynn) Lyons and Gregory Lyons; two grandchildren, Jacob (Veronica) Lyons and Paul Lyons; a sister, Lyn Adams; a brother, Dick Downing; and many dear nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association or the American Heart Association. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, October 18, 2026, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL. Military Honors for Karen will be held at 1 p.m.
Burial will be at Walnut Hill Cemetery, Belleville, IL, at a later date.
