Gerald Lee Lyons, age 84 of Hastings, passed away surrounded by his family on December 24, 2025, in Hastings, MI.Born on August 5, 1941, in Coldwater, MI, Jerry was the beloved son of Owen and Josephine (Liebeck) Lyons. After graduating from Hastings High School in 1959, he proudly served his country as a member of the United States Airforce.
Known for his kindness, thoughtfulness, loyalty, and unwavering love, he was truly a peacekeeper who found the good in everyone and loved with his whole heart. His hardworking spirit was evident in his lifelong dedication to his business, Lyons Excavating, where he worked as an excavator. Even after retirement, he continued to serve his community as a “poopologist” at the wastewater treatment plant at Advantage Plumbing alongside his nephew, Ryan Gillons.
He pursued many passions throughout his life, including flying private airplanes, sailing, fishing, painting, tending to the pond, cultivating its property, and writing historical novels. He found joy in the simple pleasures and embraced every moment spent with family and friends.
The family would especially like to thank Ryan and Mel Gillons for opening their home and allowing Jerry to pass peacefully, surrounded by family and loved ones. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Jerry is survived by his loving wife Anita Lyons, his children, Keith Lyons, Alex (Tom) Collins, Joseph (Melissa) Lyons, Bess (Brian) Ceresa, Kailey (Sol) Lyons, Rick (Lisa) Cullers, and Donald (Rosa) Cullers, grandchildren, Shea (Bennett) Davenport, Sarah Collins, Thomas Collins, Goldie Ashbach, Dolly Ashbach, Walter Ashbach, Dakota Osenbaugh, Christian Brant, and Jaighdyn Fyolek, great grandchild Adeline Davenport. He is also survived by his siblings, Michael Lyons, Joseph Lyons. Lynda Adams, Tom (Lori) Lyons, Maureen (Greg) Gillons along with many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Sally Ledesma.
A celebration of life will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026, from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM at the Daniels Funeral Home – Hastings, located at 1401 North Broadway, Hastings, MI. The family invites guests to come and share memories of Jerry with them during this time.
A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the St. Rose Catholic Church, 805 South Jefferson Street, Hastings, MI.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Glioblastoma Research Organization at www.gbmresearch.org/donate
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home – Hastings. For further details, please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net.
