Obituary for Thomas Francis Lyons
Thomas Francis Lyons, much loved husband, father and grandfather, age 85, passed away December 27, 2022 peacefully at home in Evanston, IL. He was born October 5, 1937 in Detroit, Michigan to Colburke and Nell Lyons, and raised in Detroit. He attended Catholic schools, graduating from University of Detroit High School.
Tom received degrees from the University of Michigan, including a BBA (1959), MBA (1964), MA (1964), and PhD in Psychology (1967). As a freshman in Great Books class, Tom met Ann Liu when they were seated next to each other alphabetically. They married in 1963, and spent the next 60 years together.
After serving his country in the United States Army Security Agency, Tom spent his career as a researcher, an educator and business consultant. His academic career included teaching at Iowa State University, The University of Michigan Medical School, Case Western Reserve University and the University of Michigan. At the University of Michigan-Dearborn, in addition to his role as professor, he served in administrative leadership roles in the School of Management. Tom authored research which was published in numerous scientific journals. In 2000, he retired as Emeritus Professor to pursue his continuing interests in sailing, traveling and water color painting, and to spend time with his family.
During his life, Tom was a woodworker, musician, sailor and artist. He paid attention to detail, but could also see the big picture. He enjoyed a good meal, a good book, and a good laugh. As a Wolverine and a long-time resident of Ann Arbor, he enjoyed seeing the Maize and Blue win, and had season tickets to the Big House for more than 40 years.
He and Ann enjoyed traveling and visited every continent, except for Antarctica, which he left to Ann and their son Bill to explore together. He was patient, kind, and generous. He appreciated people and most aspects of his long and full life, and rarely complained about anything.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother Edward Lyons. He is survived by his wife, Ann, two children, Kathy Lyons (Bill Chafetz) of Evanston, IL, and Bill Lyons (Lindsey Marcus), of Chicago, IL, grandchildren Joey and Danny Chafetz, Alex and Jordan Lyons, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held Thursday, January 5, 2023 at 12pm with visitation beginning at 11am at Nie Family Funeral Home, 3767 W. Liberty Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48103.
Tom received degrees from the University of Michigan, including a BBA (1959), MBA (1964), MA (1964), and PhD in Psychology (1967). As a freshman in Great Books class, Tom met Ann Liu when they were seated next to each other alphabetically. They married in 1963, and spent the next 60 years together.
After serving his country in the United States Army Security Agency, Tom spent his career as a researcher, an educator and business consultant. His academic career included teaching at Iowa State University, The University of Michigan Medical School, Case Western Reserve University and the University of Michigan. At the University of Michigan-Dearborn, in addition to his role as professor, he served in administrative leadership roles in the School of Management. Tom authored research which was published in numerous scientific journals. In 2000, he retired as Emeritus Professor to pursue his continuing interests in sailing, traveling and water color painting, and to spend time with his family.
During his life, Tom was a woodworker, musician, sailor and artist. He paid attention to detail, but could also see the big picture. He enjoyed a good meal, a good book, and a good laugh. As a Wolverine and a long-time resident of Ann Arbor, he enjoyed seeing the Maize and Blue win, and had season tickets to the Big House for more than 40 years.
He and Ann enjoyed traveling and visited every continent, except for Antarctica, which he left to Ann and their son Bill to explore together. He was patient, kind, and generous. He appreciated people and most aspects of his long and full life, and rarely complained about anything.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother Edward Lyons. He is survived by his wife, Ann, two children, Kathy Lyons (Bill Chafetz) of Evanston, IL, and Bill Lyons (Lindsey Marcus), of Chicago, IL, grandchildren Joey and Danny Chafetz, Alex and Jordan Lyons, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held Thursday, January 5, 2023 at 12pm with visitation beginning at 11am at Nie Family Funeral Home, 3767 W. Liberty Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48103.