Robert "Tiger" James Lyons Sr.

Robert was a WWII Veteran and POW for almost 2 years. After leaving the service, he went to work for Mobil Oil Refinery. But his passion was the Veterans. He worked his whole life trying to make things better for our Veterans. Robert was heavily involved in Vidor's VFW Post 1846 for many years, serving as Post Commander several times, and also as Texas State Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He spent many days as a Lobbyist in Austin and Washington D.C. for Veterans rights. He was very instrumental in two large projects very dear to him, one getting the VA Clinic located in Beaumont and having the Veterans Memorial Park here in Vidor. Robert was honored by having the local DAV Chapter named after him, as well as the Vidor Flag and Tackle football field, that he helped get sponsored and organized. “Tiger” was a Vidor Lodge Mason for over 50 years and received the highest honor of The Golden Trowel though the Vidor Lodge #1286. Robert became an Eagle Scout at a very young age, and always said between his faith and his Eagle Scout training that was what got him through his time as a POW. Robert was a very busy and devoted man to many causes, he was on the VISD School Board, The Vidor Schools Foundation, Vidor Chamber of Commerce, Vidor Lions Club, The Vidor Christian Care Center, The Vidor Rotary Club, and a member of First Baptist Church. He was blessed with an abundance of friends with whom he drank morning coffee with everyday.
Robert was born March 16, 1923 in Weigate, Texas to Robert F. and Clyde Sheffield Lyons. He was the sixth of nine children. Survived by his wife of 70 years Opal Crane Lyons. Son: Robert James “Jimmy” Lyons Jr., of Driggs, Idaho. Daughters: Donna Schneider and husband Preston Schneider of Tomball, Texas. Karen Sampson and husband Stanley Sampson of Vidor, Texas. Sharon Grissom and husband Mark Grissom of Vidor, Texas. Grandchildren: Kelci Christensen and husband Dustin of Victor, Idaho, Michelle May of Idaho, Patrick Schneider and wife Jennifer, of Houston, Texas, Susan Schneider and fianc'ee Mike Coleman of Orlando, Florida, Brandon Sampson and partner Doug Dowdle of Houston, Texas, Amy Smedra and husband Michael of Deer Park, Texas, Jeremy Williamson, Jason Williamson, Joni Cotham and husband Neil, all of Vidor, Texas. Great Grandchildren: Torrey and Garrett May, Bradley Anderson, Alexis Wood, Kaytlyn, and Audrey Christensen, Nicholas, and Abigail Smedra, Alex, and Kyle Williamson, Brady, Allison, and Drew Schneider, and Kira, and Baby Boy Cotham. Robert is also survived by his only living sibling Jewel Bogue of Marshall, Texas. Preceded in death by his parents Robert and Clydie Lyons, siblings Lois Wright, Richard Lyons, Sheffield Lyons, Lushion Lyons, Mildred Tomlin, Hattie Jean Bogue, Clyde Lyons, and Granddaughter Jenna Leigh Williamson. Robert left his earthly body on Thursday, March 23, 2017. To be absent from the body is to be present with The Lord. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Vidor Christian Care Center.