Durward "Dewey" Allen Lyon

Dewey was born in 1926 in Toledo, lowa and died April 7, 2015 in Oklahoma City, Okla. His parents were Mr. and Mrs Earl Lyon. They were prominent farmers and community activities especially 4-H were an important part of their lives. Dewey served as Iowa's 4-H club president and represented Iowa as an agricultural exchange student for 7 months in Finland. He also represented America's 4-H members by speaking to congress on their behalf. Dewey attended Toledo High School and captained the football team. He then went to Iowa State University where he was a member of the Farmhouse Fraternity. He was president of the campus 4-H and the Block and Bridle organization. He served in the infantry during World War II and ended up in Japan doing occupational duty. He was then called back into service and spent a year as a infantry soldier in Korea. After being hired by Thomas E. Wilson, Dewey started his career with Wilson Certified Foods in the provision department in Chicago and assistant plant manager at Omaha and Albert Lea, Minnesota. He then served as plant manager of Kansas City until being elected an officer in charge of operations. At that time he was the youngest officer ever elected. Until retirement in 1980 he served as Executive VP, Senior VP, and President and CEO of Wilson Certified Foods. It was during this period that Dewey moved 400 families of Wilson Certified Foods to Okla. City from Chicago. Dewey served on the Board of Directors of the American Meat Institute . He served as the first president of the AMI operations committee. After retiring from Wilson he had several consulting jobs in the industry. Dewey's favorite award was an alumni award awarded by Iowa State for "outstanding contribution to human welfare which transcends purely to professional accomplishments and brings honor to the community." He enjoyed community activities. Dewey served on Oklahoma City's Urban Renewal Authority for 12 years and chairman for 2 years. He served two years a secretary treasurer of state chamber of commerce. Dewey also served as Okla. State Saving Bonds chairman for several years. He served on three different bank boards while in Oklahoma City. Dewey was active in the catholic church. He chaired a fund raising drive for Bishop McGuiness and served on the board of Mercy Hospital for over 15 years. He also served on the finance committee for Christ the King Catholic Church, St. Eugene Catholic Church and the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. He was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church and Quail Creek Golf and Country Club. Dewey enjoyed traveling as well as wintering in California after retiring. The California home was always open to Okla. City friends and relatives. He often played golf six days a week while in California. Many trips to Mexico were taken with the entire family that will always be treasured. He took great satisfaction in befriending the handicapped and under privileged. Dewey is survived by his wife, Marybeth Lyon; sons, Timothy Lyon (Patti) and Michael Lyon (Cathy); a daughter-in-law, Melinda Lyon (Jerry Vannatta); eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; two brothers, Joe & Tom Lyon; cousin, Bill Zmolek; and a sister-in-law, Margaret Lyon. He is preceded in death by his first wife Carolyn Lyon; a son, Dennis Lyon and a brother Howard Lyon. The family would like to thank Dr. Vadakepat Ramgopal for his care and concern. Donations are suggested to the American Cancer Society. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 am on Monday, April 13, 2015 at Christ the King Catholic Church.