02/13/2026
Walter Russell Lyon, Jr. (“Joe”), age 83, of Wurtland, Kentucky, formerly of Russell, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on February 11, 2026. He was born on January 22, 1943, in Boyd County, Kentucky, to Walter Russell Lyon, Sr. and Monnie Ison Lyon, and was raised near Sandy Hook, Kentucky, in Elliott County. Walter was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife of 46 years, Sarah Louise Ison Lyon; and his daughter, Laura Susan Lyon. He is survived by his son, Anthony (Marcella) Isaac Lyon; his grandchildren Zachary Aaron (Ariel) Lyon and Samuel Trevor (Jennifer) Lyon; and his great-grandchildren Annie Lenee Lyon, Harper Arin Lyon, Charlotte Kay Lyon, Jenna Faith Lyon, and Elizabeth Alexandra Lyon. He is also survived by his brother, Leon Keith (Cathy) Lyon; a special longtime friend and fishing companion, John (Terry) Sergent, who was known to the family as another uncle; along with extended family and many friends who loved him dearly. Walter was a graduate of Sandy Hook High School and later attended Mayo State Vocational School, where he studied industrial electricity. As a young man, he often spoke fondly of helping his uncle work on drilling rigs, experiences that helped shape his strong work ethic. He later went to work for Armco Steel, later known as AK Steel, where he was a proud member of United Steelworkers Local 1865 and retired after 40 years of dedicated service. Known for his dependability and commitment, Walter took great pride in honest labor and in providing for his family. Walter and Sarah were married on August 3 in Sandy Hook, Kentucky, beginning a life together rooted in faith, family, and hard work. They raised their children while attending Flatwoods First Church of the Nazarene, where they were active, longtime members. Later, they became members of First Baptist Church in Russell, where Walter remained active until his health no longer allowed him to attend. Walter’s faith was steady and sincere. He loved singing in church and at revivals, and for a time sang with the Singing Colonels. He also enjoyed helping his church in any way he could, always willing to lend a hand where it was needed. His faith was shown through participation, service, and presence rather than many words. To his family, he was affectionately known as Papaw Joe. He was humorous, outgoing, and full of personality. He especially enjoyed fishing trips with his buddies, traveling to various lakes, and taking great pleasure in planning, packing, and cooking for those outings. He was well known for hunting down stray bobbers and somehow always managing to get his line tangled in a tree or caught beneath the water. Those small mishaps became cherished memories and reflected the joy he found simply in being present. Funeral services will be held 1:00 pm Tuesday, February 17, 2026 Music Funeral Home in Greenup, Kentucky. Visitation will be held from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm Tuesday at the funeral home with a private family burial to take place at Bellefonte Memorial Gardens in Russell, Kentucky. Services will be officiated by his grandson, Bishop Samuel T. Lyon; his brother, Rev. Leon Keith Lyon; and his nephew, Bishop Philip K. Lyon. Pall Bearers will be Trevor Lyon, Zach Lyon, Grant Lyon, Philip Lyon, Clancy Keaton, Brantley Cutler, and Honorary Pall Bearer, John Sergent.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff and volunteers of Community Hospice of Ashland, Kentucky, for the compassionate care and support shown to Walter and his family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Walter Lyon to Community Hospice of Ashland, Kentucky, 1480 Carter Avenue, Ashland, Kentucky 41101, or online at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/communityhospice. Online condolences may be offered at www.mfhfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction and care of Music Family Funeral Home in Greenup.
