Michael "Mike" F. Lyon, 77, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on June 17, 2026.
A lifelong resident of Bellefontaine, Mike was preceded in death by his parents Carl and Glenna Lyon (Hower), sister Shirley Pruett, brother-in-law Ennis Pruett, and nephew Scott Lyon.
He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Laura J. Lyon (Mines), brother and sister-in- law Jerry and Susie Lyon, sister-in-law Janet Schwabenland, son and daughter-in-law Chris and Teah Lyon, son-in-law and daughter Matt and Amanda Mershimer, grandchildren, MaCaylah Lyon, Izak Lyon, Madeleine Lyon, Shiloh Mershimer, Everly Mershimer, Jaxson Burkett, Colt Woodruff, and great-grandchildren Roman and Saylor Litten.
Mike was a proud U.S. Army veteran and met his wife and life partner, Laura, while they were both enlisted and receiving their Medic training at Ft Sam Houston in San Antonio. After a brief love-at-first-sight romance, Laura patiently waited for Mike to return from a one year oversees deployment, and they were married 2 weeks later in Denver, where she resided.
The new couple returned to Bellefontaine, Mike's hometown, and began to build a family and home. He returned to work at Detroit Aluminum and Brass, where he was employed as a maintenance manager until his retirement. In addition, Mike periodically helped at longtime family friends Don and Virginia Miller's farm. Laura learned to be a "country wife " under Glenna and Virginia's tutelage, while Mike built and fixed, sawed firewood, and hunted and fished.
Mike was a polymath of all things mechanical and never lost his love of the trades and his advocacy for them, and was a mentor to many people. He could explain how nearly anything mechanical or electrical worked to nearly anyone. He worked very hard at work and at home and was meticulous about doing a job correctly. Mike fostered in others the pride of craftsmanship by example.
After retirement, Mike took on the new job of being the best Grandpa he could be, and in this, he truly excelled. His love and guidance to his grandchildren were immeasurable, and he will be truly missed.
Mike and Laura's last big trip was to pick up their new puppy, Penny, who would perch on his lap in his favorite chair for naps for his last few months.
A quiet man of faith who could fix almost anything now gets to rest with the Savior, where everything is perfect, and nothing needs repairing.
There will be a visitation for Mike on Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Eichholtz & Daring Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 321 N Main Street, Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311. Followed by procession to Huntsville Cemetery for a graveside service at 12:30 p.m., where military rites will be performed.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests to spread the love, do a kindness, say a prayer, and donate to a charity of your choice.
EICHHOLTZ & DARING FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTER, BELLEFONTAINE, is honored to serve the Lyon family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at www.eichholtzdaring.com.
