Obituary of Richard Sanford Lyon

Richard Sanford Lyon (Sam), 81, passed away Friday, December 8, 2023 at St. Claire Medical Center in Morehead, KY. He was born October 4, 1942 in Louisa, KY the son of the late Buell and Cora Cyrus Lyon.

He is survived by his wife Vendalee Lyon; daughter Angela Lyon of Morehead, KY; two sisters, Sue Diamond of Louisa, KY and Phyllis and Clyde Welch of Corydon, IN. He had many beloved nieces and nephews including: Gary Smiley, Jim Paul Smiley, Connie Neiswender, Theresa Enlow, Terry Arndt, Jeff Welch, Susan Porter, and Lori Welch. He was preceded in death by his wife and the mother of his daughter, Agnes L. Lyon.

Sam was a lifelong pianist/musician and educator. He received a Bachelor's of Music Education, Master's in Elementary Education and Rank 1 certification in Education Administration all from Morehead State University.

He was a music teacher and choir director first in Ohio and then in the Lawrence County school system. He served as principal at Fallsburg Elementary and Lawrence County High School. He retired in 2000 after 34 years in education.

Sam was also a member of Hilltop Methodist Church (formerly Louisa United Methodist). While there he served as choir director and later organist/pianist. He was especially proud to have served on the administrative council and helped oversee construction of the new church on the hill.

During the last year of his life, Sam was a resident of Life Care Center of Morehead. He enjoyed plenty of activities and made many friends while there.

Sam will be remembered for his love of life, family and friends. He had a strong personality with definite opinions, especially when it came to food. He made friends wherever he went and will be sorely missed.

Service will be Tuesday, December 12 at Hilltop Methodist Church. Visitation 11:00am - 1:00pm, funeral at 1:00 pm. Brother Bobby Stinnett and Rev. Eric Espada will officiate.

Donations to Lawrence County Retired Teacher's Association, to support academic scholarships, would be appreciated.

Care for Sam and his family has been entrusted to our family at Wilson Funeral Home