Matthew Manning Lyons

December 8, 1952 - December 6, 2016

TRAVERSE CITY – Matthew M. Lyons, age 63, of Traverse City passed away Tuesday, December 6, 2016. Matthew was born on December 8, 1952 in Stuttgart, Germany to Robert and Mary (Armstrong) Lyons. Matthew lived a life full of laughter, love and honor. After graduating high school, he served his country for several years in the US Army, 2nd Division while stationed in South Korea, of which he loved to tell stories. After he finished his enlistment, he moved on to Western Michigan University where he earned his BA and his certified crop advisor license. He loved his work, but loved the farmers he worked with even more. His immense work ethic, passion for agronomy and genuine good nature garnered respect and friendship from his coworkers at CPS, the many farmers he served in all of northern Michigan and everyone he came in contact with. He loved to help people in any way possible. Matthew served as Patrol Director for the Mt. Holiday Ski Patrol for the last several years, and was affectionately known by the young crowd as, “The old Fart on the Snowboard”, a nickname he loved. He was a member of the Traverse Area Model Pilots Association and was very active in New Hope Community Church. Matt loved many things, but telling jokes, downhill skiing, remote control airplanes and riding his motorcycle were at the top. His infectious laughter will be missed all over Northern Michigan. Matthew is survived by his loving children; Timothy & Grace, Siblings; Michael (Debbie) Lyons, Stephen (Phyllis) Lyons, David (Julie) Lyons, Mandy Rebone, Rebecca (Kent) Holton, Nieces; Rhea and Emma Lyons, nephews; Brandon Finnila, and Andrew Rebone, and great-niece, Abby Finnila. Matthew was preceded in death by his mother and father, and daughter, Brianne Lyons. A visitation for Matthew will take place on Wednesday, December 14, 2016 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home from 4:00 – 7:00 pm. A memorial service will take place on Thursday, December 15, 2016 at New Hope Community Church, Williamsburg, at 11:00 am with a visitation one hour prior. Interment will take place at Circle Hill Cemetery next to his daughter Brianne. The family asks that memorial contributions be directed to the Mt. Holiday Ski Area, 3100 Holiday Road, Traverse City, MI 49686 or a memorial organization of your choice.