Camp Courageous is deeply saddened by the recent passing of Don Lyons, 87, of Dysart, IA.
Don was a tremendous advocate for Camp Courageous through his memberships and past presidencies with the Petroleum Marketers of Iowa and the Lions Club. Don and his wife of more than 60 years, Janice, were dear friends of Camp Courageous. All one had to do was ask, and they would be there—for Camp Courageous, the Lions, and their beloved community of more than 80 years, Dysart.
Don received a special award from the Dysart Lions Club for never missing a meeting in 60 years. That same evening, Don received the Camp Courageous Trail Blazer Award, recognizing him for blazing a trail that thousands of others have followed to Camp Courageous.
Don and Camp Courageous first met in the early 1980s through the Iowa Oil Jobbers, which became the Petroleum Marketers of Iowa, then the Petroleum Marketers & Convenience Stores of Iowa, and now FUELIowa. In 1981, the Petroleum Marketers took Camp Courageous under their wings and began supporting the camp. For the first time, Camp Courageous had a statewide network of friends supporting the camp and the thousands of campers it served from all 99 Iowa counties, as well as other states.
Don spent his entire working career in the petroleum industry, beginning as a youngster in his father’s service station. He completed more than 60 years of service in 2006, retiring as Petroleum Manager for Linn Co-op Oil.
One distinctive characteristic of Don and Jan Lyons, along with their five sons, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, was that when they became involved in something, they gave 100% hard, dedicated work in return.
Don was known as Dysart’s biggest cheerleader. Don and Janice were gentle souls who would give the shirts off their backs to help someone in need. Don was one of those people who never met a stranger and was always quick with a smile and an open hand of friendship.
They were tremendous advocates for Dysart and its school system and were known for providing food for hundreds of school and community events.
Don and Janice leave behind a beautiful legacy—a legacy of goodness, kindness, friendship, and service to others.
—Charlie Becker
Don wished for his memorials to be directed to Camp Courageous, Lions, and his church, Dysart United Methodist Church.
Camp Courageous: www.campcourageous.org/donate