Dec 24, 2004 3 min read

Morgan H. (Buck) Lyons, Sr., 87, a resident of Philippi, W.Va., passed away Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2004, at his residence following an extended illness. Mr. Lyons was born September 23, 1917, in Lake Lynn, Pa., a son of the late Emmett F. and Martha Ellen (Spiker) Lyons.

Mr. Lyons was united in marriage December 24, 1944, to the former Hilda Ann Stemple, who survives. Also surviving are two sons and daughters-in-law, Morgan H. Jr. and wife Beverly Lyons, a cardiologist of Morgantown, W.Va. and Kevin A. and wife Gretchen Lyons, a businessman of Philippi; six grandchildren, Christopher M. Lyons of Morgantown, W.Va., Aaron N. Lyons of Boulder, Colo., Dara C. Lyons of Philippi, Haley N. Lyons, Olivia R. Lyons and Logan M. Lyons, all of Morgantown, W.Va.; and three sisters, Rosella Haught of Lake Lynn, Pa., Edna Jenkins of Richeyville, Pa. and Dorothy Miller of Smithfield, Pa.

Mr. Lyons was preceded in death by three sisters, Margaret Sethman, and Bess Townsend, Kathryn Christopher; and two brothers, Clarence Lyons and Bernard Lyons.

Mr. Lyons was a graduate of Georges Township High School in Pennsylvania. He was an active member of the Philippi United Methodist Church, a 50-year member of the Bigelow Lodge No. 52 A.F & A.M, 32nd degree Mason and Shriner, held life membership in the Osiris Temple, A.A.O.N.M.S., Wheeling, a member of Philippi Charter No. 41 O.E.S. and a 60-year member of Point Marion, Pa., I.O.O.F. Lodge.

Mr. Lyons served many terms as president of the Barbour County Country Club, was a former trustee and is a member of the Board of Governors of Alderson-Broaddus College, a charter member and director of B.C. Bank, and served on the advisory board of the Barbour County Good Samaritan Center.

After returning from the military service in World War II, Mr. Lyons worked in surface mining. In 1955, he became owner-operator of McCoy Bros. Inc. Mr. Lyons was very active in the community. Examples of his numerous contributions include past president of the Philippi Airport Authority, member of the Philippi Building Commission and fundraising chairman for “New Main” at Alderson-Broaddus College. He was a devoted husband and father, as well was an avid golfer, hunter and fisherman.

Friends will be received at the WRIGHT FUNERAL HOME, 216 North Walnut Street, Philippi, W.Va., after 11 a.m. and until 8 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 26, 2004, and on Monday until 1 p.m., the hour of service, with Dr. Dan Unger and the Rev. Gary Rapking officiating. Interment will follow in the Mount Vernon Memorial Cemetery with the American Legion Post 44 conducting Military Rites.