Richard Allen Lyons, age 77 of Big Rapids, passed away Thursday, November 14, 2019 in Grand Rapids after a short battle with lymphoma. He was born August 18, 1942 in Altona, the son of John and Marguerite (Bonfoy) Lyons. Richard graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1961. On February 1, 1964 he married his high school sweet heart Susan Dunkel at St. Peter Lutheran Church. Richard was a water distribution operator for the City of Big Rapids for over 30 years. He was a former member of the Mecosta County Sheriff Posse and formerly served as the Fire Chief of the Roger Heights Fire Department. Richard loved spending time woodworking, fishing, hunting and camping. His honest, loving and caring heart will not be forgotten by the family who survive him. His treasured wife of 55 years, Susan Lyons of Big Rapids; children, Rick (CanDeta) Lyons of Morley, Scott Lyons of Big Rapids, Zena (Andre) Szczepaniuk of Grand Rapids; seven grandchildren, who he loved to tease, Thomas, Codey, Kelsie, Zandrea, Andrzejka, Ethan and Alex; five great-grandchildren with another on the way, Emma, Juniper, Alder, Daniel and Lincoln; his brother, Roland Lyons; two sisters-in-law, Delphine and Audrey Lyons and many nieces, nephews and close friends. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, five siblings, Donald, Gordon (Audrey), Lewis, Carl (Patricia) and Velma (Harley) Vermelyea and a sister-in-law, Agnes Lyons. A graveside memorial will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at Highland View Cemetery in Big Rapids. Services have been arranged through the care of the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory or leave a condolence for the family by clicking the guestbook tab on Richard's page at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com Graveside Service Wednesday, November 20, 2019 2:00 PM Highland View Cemetery 607 West Bellevue Street Big Rapids,MI 49307