April 15, 1939 – March 12, 2020
Stanley W. Lyon was born in San Diego, CA on April 15, 1939 to Jeanette and Hamilton P. Lyon of Chula Vista, CA. He attended public schools in Chula Vista, graduating from Chula Vista High School in 1957. He enrolled at San Diego State University receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Business in 1961 and soon married Judie Koehler. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was off to pre-flight school in Pensacola, FL to become a navigator. His initial training was a 6-month program which culminated with Stan receiving his commission as an Ensign with wings as a flight navigator. His first duty station was NAS Whidbey Island, WA with a squadron who flew P2V’s searching for enemy submarines in the South China Sea during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged after 4 years of service to his country.
Stan, Judie, and their two young children returned back to Chula Vista where he worked at Rohr Industries, an aircraft manufacturing company, in Chula Vista in the finance department. Two years later he started a 4-year program at the University of San Diego studying law in the evening and working full time; he graduated in 1972. Soon thereafter he successfully passed the exhaustive, 3-day long California Bar Exam on his first attempt.
Stan’s legal career began in 1974 at McDonnell Douglas Commercial Aircraft Division in Long Beach, CA. His primary job was writing and negotiating contracts with airlines in the United States and around the world. He traveled extensively, both domestic and international, meeting with commercial and government dignitaries and creating relationships leading to numerous sales of commercial airplanes for McDonnell Douglas (and later Boeing). Stan’s many trips to China led him to meet the President of China during the time of the Tiananmen Square uprising.
Business opportunities in China continued to grow and in 1989 he and Judie had the opportunity to move to Hong Kong to be closer to Beijing. Living in Hong Kong gave them many wonderful memories and many new friends. After nearly 4 years their return to the US brought on thoughts of eventual retirement in 1999 and more fun travel opportunities around America in their motorhome.
One of those trips led them to Jacksonville, OR where they found their ideal home and community to retire. Jacksonville became a dream come true. Stan jumped into community service for the historic town and helped develop the Booster Club Foundation as a non-profit organization. He also served as President, Vice President, and Member of the Board of Directors for the Boosters Club and Foundation where his personal goal was to preserve and sustain this historical community.
Stan also served on the Vestry at St. Andrews Anglican Church in Jacksonville. He was an active alumni supporter of the University of San Diego and San Diego State University and especially loved the football and basketball program.
Stan is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Judie, and their daughters Jennifer of New Orleans LA and Katie of Readington NJ. They are dealing with the loss of their dear husband and father – he was their rock and leader. Also mourning is Stan’s brother, Gus Lyon (Winston-Salem NC) and his cousin, Barbara Simon (San Diego CA). Close family members Chip and Laura Koehler (Fremont CA), Kirsten Koehler and Greg Martinez (Baltimore MD), Andy Koehler (Merritt Island FL), Gaile Koehler (Centennial CO), and Heidi and Jerry Belcher and their sons Zak and Sam (Spokane WA) will long remember and miss Stan as their brother in law or uncle.
Stan will be missed by his family, friends, and community. Memorial gifts may be sent to the Jacksonville Boosters Foundation (PO Box 1061, Jacksonville, OR 97530). Please mark checks “In memory of Stan Lyon.”
The family is planning a Memorial Service but with the nationwide health concerns and restrictions the service will be scheduled in the early summer.