Al Lyon, 82, of Chatham, passed away at his home on March 13, 2025, surrounded by friends who loved him. Always a patriot and always a U.S. Marine, he was a loyal and generous friend to those who knew him well. Alan Joel Lyon was born on May 2, 1942, in Charleston, SC to the late Bernard C. Lyon and the late Betty L. (Asenmacker) Lyon. His parents later divorced. Al grew up with his mother and stepfather, living in several cities in his youth. He went to high school in the St. Louis area. At 17, he dropped out of school. After talking to a recruiter and receiving permission and encouragement from his mother, Al joined the U.S. Marine Corps.
Al considered joining the Marines "the single most valuable and pivotal event of my life." He served from 1959 to 1963, including a tour at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and was honorably discharged. He went about his life for a few years, going to college part-time and working at a Sears store. In 1966, Al re-enlisted in the Marine Corps "to stand with my brothers at a time when our country was at war." He was quickly promoted to sergeant and assigned to H&S Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines.
Al shipped out with his unit to Vietnam in 1967 and was involved in several combat operations. His actions in one battle on May 4, 1968, resulted in him being awarded the Navy Commendation Medal with Valor. Al spent nearly two years in Vietnam. After returning to the U.S. in 1969, he received his second honorable discharge from the Marines.
After visiting an uncle who lived in Ogden, UT, Al decided to enroll at Weber State University to finish his college degree. It didn't take him long to figure out that the military might be his best career path. Al joined the Army ROTC program at Weber State and finished his B.S. in political science. He then enrolled at Utah State University to finish his ROTC requirements, receive his commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army in 1973. Later, he completed an M.S. degree in international relations.
During his Army career, Al served as an intelligence officer, including a tour in Korea with the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division. He received a Meritorious Service Medal for his efforts there. Al also served in the Pentagon and as an ROTC instructor at his alma mater, Weber State. He retired from the Army in 1986 as a Major.
Al began another career with the State of Illinois Department of Nuclear Safety in 1988. He spent 15 years with the department as its’ facilities manager, security officer and handling logistics for emergency exercises.
After retiring from the State, Al taught certification classes on facilities management and maintenance at the Los Alamos and Oak Ridge National Laboratories. He enjoyed playing golf, taking his friends on cruises and, especially, attending reunions of his Marine and Army units.
Al was a member of the Military Officers Association of America, the Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem, the Defense Intelligence Agency Alumni Association, the Marine Corps Mustang Association and the Disabled American Veterans. He had also served on the Chatham Police Commission.
Visitation and Celebration of Life: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Staab Funeral Home – Springfield. A burial will be held for Al at Arlington National Cemetery with military honors being conducted.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans: DAV.org.
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