Ronald "Ronnie" Coleman Lyons

Ronald "Ronnie" Coleman Lyons, born on November 27, 1935, in Jacksonville, Florida, passed away on August 5, 2025, in Magnolia, Texas. 

He was a remarkable individual who dedicated his life to both his country and his career. Ronnie proudly served in the Air Force and Reserves from 1957 to 1961, demonstrating a commitment to service that shaped his character throughout his life. A longtime professional in the petroleum industry, Ronnie's career spanned numerous roles that showcased his skills and expertise, initially working graveyard shift on the cat-cracker at the Gulf refinery in Groves, Texas. He expanded his career by attending night school, which led to him obtaining a drafting job in Houston, Texas. His career grew from there to various positions as a Piping Designer, and as a Piping Design Checker, both nationally and internationally. 

His passion for education was evident as he shared his knowledge by teaching a refinery model design/build course through Junior Achievement in Midland, Texas. Additionally, in 1986, he played a vital role in community service by helping to establish the HMW Special Utility District, a water utility in Decker Prairie, Texas, and continued to serve on the Board In 1997.

Ronnie married Maria "Marivic" Canezo Lyons in Magnolia, Texas, a flourishing partnership of 27 years. His family legacy includes his three daughters: Lori Marie Lyons Ashford and her husband Richard of Lago Vista, Texas; Vicki Sue Lyons Gonzalez and her husband Ernesto of Leander, Texas; and Veronica Marie Lyons of Magnolia, Texas. Ronnie also cherished his grandchildren, David Lee Farrell, Jr. and his wife Adriana of Spring, Texas; Kevin Brandon Blystone and his wife Krissy of Lago Vista, Texas; Adam Richard Ashford of Bentonville, Arkansas; and Ayrica Kay Blystone of Leander, Texas. In 2016, his family circle extended to include great-granddaughter Holly Ryan Blystone of Lago Vista, Texas. 

Ronnie is survived by his sister, Karyn McCormick Folmar of Canton, Georgia. 

Ronnie’s passion extended beyond his professional endeavors. He was an avid collector of Antique Dodge and Chrysler (Mopar) cars from the 1920s and 1930s, particularly those from the year 1935, commemorating the year of his birth. His knowledge and love of these classic vehicles were a significant part of who he was.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Batola Lyons and Mary Estelle Sallas Lyons, as well as his natural mother, Eunice (Judy) Sallas Brokaw, and his in-laws Lorenzo Magallon Canezo and Eufemia Madera Canezo. His siblings, Andrew Lyons, Kenneth Neil Hickox, Mary Elizabeth Lyons Livingston, and Ann Stanislaus Lyons Livingston, also preceded him in death.

A Graveside service with Military Honors will be held at Oak Bluff Memorial Park in Port Neches, Texas, on September 6, 2025, starting at 10:30 AM. Ronnie's legacy of service, dedication to family, and passion for life will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be dearly missed.

Ronnie's legacy of service, dedication to family, and passion for life will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be dearly missed.