Gordon R. Lyons, age 81, a lifetime resident of Stanwood, went to be with his Maker on Tuesday , May 26, 2009. He was born August 23, 1927, in Altona, MI; the son of John and Marguerite (Bonfoil) Lyons. Gordon was a graduate of Big Rapids High. He was honorably discharged from the United States Navy, serving on the USS Hitdatsa during World War II in the Pacific Theater, participating in the battles of the Philippines and Okinawa. When in good health, he never missed a day of raising the flag in the morning and taking it down at night. He served and loved his country. He married the former Audrey J. Wilber of Stanwood on June 14, 1946; his loving wife of 62 years. Gordon spent his working career in the construction trades. He was superintendent on several notable buildings in the Grand Rapids area, most proud of the new Veterans Hospital. He also served a brief stint with the Mecosta County Building Inspector's office in the early 80s. Gordon served as Mecosta Township Clerk for many years, also served on the Stanwood Village Council, also served as a volunteer fireman. He was a member of the Northland United Methodist Church, the Stanwood Lions Club, V.F.W. Post #4102 in Rogers Heights, American Legion Post #554 in Morley and Past Master of Big Rapids Masonic Lodge #171. Gordon will be forever remembered as a loving and giving man to both his family and his friends. He worked hard and, when possible, enjoyed hunting and fishing with his best buddy Jim. He is survived by his loving wife Audrey of Stanwood; three children: Sueann (Ken) Walz of Big Rapids, Tom (Wendy) Lyons of Big Rapids, Jim (Valerie) Lyons of Stanwood; ten grandchildren: Jason, Shane, John, Ana and Renae Lyons, Heather and Erin Walz, Jennifer (Jesse) Genoble and Jaclynne Bishop; four great grandchildren: Jack, Amelia, Quinn and Kara; two brothers: Roland (Agnes) and Richard (Sue) Lyons. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, sister Velma, brothers Carl, Donald and Lewis. Gordon's family would like to give a special thanks to the Commission on Aging (who supplied vehicles with lifts) and the kindness of the drivers, who made it possible for him to get to all of his doctor appointments during the last year. Also, thanks to caregivers Theresa, Janet, Vie and Candice. Sue, Tom and Jim will always be enamored with the great care at home for their dad in sickness, made possible only by the love and devotion of their mother. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 30, 2009 at the Northland United Methodist Church, Stanwood, with Rev. Dominic Tommy Officiating. Interment will be at the Higbee Cemetery in Morley with military honors under the auspices of American Legion Post #98 of Big Rapids. Friends may call from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, May 29th at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids. There will be a Masonic Memorial service conducted by Big Rapids Lodge #171 to be held at 8:00 p.m. Friday evening. The family will also greet friends at the church on Saturday from 12:00 p.m. noon until services at 1:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mecosta County Commission on Aging, Transportation Division, or the Northland United Methodist Church. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.