Kevin J. Lyons

BYRON, IL ~ Kevin J. Lyons, age 86, passed away with family and friends by his side on Monday, August 18, 2025, at Serenity Hospice and Home of Oregon, IL. He was born January 18, 1939, in Spring Valley, IL, the son of Joseph & Ann (Cosgrove) Lyons. Kevin graduated from Hopkins High School in Granville, IL, in 1956 before moving on to U of I to obtain a degree in Agriculture and Dairy Sciences in 1960. Later that year he married the love of his life, Palma Patarozzi, on October 1st, at Sacred Heart Church in Granville, IL. Kevin worked and raised his family on a dairy farm in Putnam County until 1987. A career change to dairy sales brought him and his family to Byron. He remained active in the dairy community as a member of both the Illinois Holstein Association and National Dairy Shrine. He was also active in his community through various organizations like the Granville Rotary Club and the Byron Kiwanis. He served as member of the school board in both Putnam County and Byron. He was devoted to his church as well; a former member of the Holy Name Society at Sacred Heart Church in Granville and served as an usher and member of the parish council at St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Byron. Kevin split his spare time between being an avid sports fan and still “dabbling” in the dairy business. He loved the Cubs, Bears, Fighting Illini, SIUE Baseball and Byron Tigers. He especially enjoyed cheering on his Tigers with Larry Rose and friends but rarely missed a chance to talk cows with all his dairy buddies. His truest passion, however, was his family, being a father of six was his favorite job in the world. He was his children and grandchildren’s biggest fan. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Joann Marx, son Brian J. Lyons, and daughter-in-law Leslie Simcich Lyons. Kevin is survived and missed dearly by his loving wife Palma of Byron; children, Victoria (Larry) Petersen of Bloomington, IL; Christopher (Shalene) Lyons of Fort Atkinson WI; Daniel (Kelly) Lyons of Plover, WI; Stephanie (William) Bodine of Sherman, IL; Sean (Jill) Lyons of Edwardsville, IL; daughter-in-law, Lori Lyons, wife of Brian Lyons; grandchildren Erin (Jonathan) Carter; Emily Lyons; Haley Lyons; Matt Lyons; Cassidy (Matt) Belz; Brady Lyons; Brooke (Vighnesh) Iyer; Tyler Petersen; Ross Bodine; Reid Bodine; Chase Lyons; Jack Lyons; Maleah Lyons; Landry Lyons; and four great grandchildren, Grace, Beau, Claire and Millie. Kevin will be remembered for his quick wit, warm smile, making friends wherever he went and for his “…. and have yourself a good day!” voicemail message. He will be sorely missed. A visitation will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church of Byron, IL on Friday August 29 the between the hours of 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 am with Father Romeo Pavino officiating. Kevin will later be laid to rest at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery of Byron, IL following a private family graveside service. Memorials are established in his name and may be directed to Serenity Hospice and Home of Oregon, IL, St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Byron, IL, or the Illinois Junior Holstein Association.