Colonel Don Alan Lyon, USAF (Ret.) of Perkins, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on 10/14/2026 at the remarkable age of 85.

Don was born on April 28, 1941, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Martha Galt Lyon and Paul Benjamin Lyon. Raised in Geary, Oklahoma, Don seemed to have an early habit of excelling at just about everything he tried. Whether in the classroom, on the athletic field, or later in life, "good enough" was never really in his vocabulary. He was a gifted student, standout athlete, and natural leader, qualities that would define him for the rest of his life.

He attended Oklahoma State University on a football scholarship, where he studied Business Management, proudly joined the Kappa Sigma Fraternity (PC Class of 1959), and competed as both a football player for the Cowboys and an intramural wrestler. His loyalty to Oklahoma State never faded. Once a Cowboy, always a Cowboy. Win or lose, Don could be counted on to cheer passionately for the orange and black, and few people wore their OSU pride more proudly.

Fortunately for Don, his greatest accomplishment at Oklahoma State was not earned on a football field or wrestling mat. It was there that he met the love of his life, Martha Ann Hert. Together they built a beautiful life, sharing over 60 years of marriage, countless adventures, and a partnership that carried them through every chapter of life. Martha was not simply his wife; she was his trusted confidante, his greatest supporter, and, as Don often liked to say, his lifelong "wingman."

Following graduation, Don answered the call to serve his country, embarking on an extraordinary 30-year career in the United States Air Force. A proud patriot through and through, he dedicated three decades to serving a nation he deeply loved. His military career took him and the family around the world, with assignments in Kansas, Japan, Hawaii, Georgia, Florida, Louisianna, Germany, Arizona and Texas. Along the way, Don rose steadily through the ranks, earning the respect of those who served beside him and ultimately retiring as a Colonel.

While his military accomplishments were many, those who knew Don understood that his greatest source of pride was never the rank on his uniform, but the people he loved. He led his family with the same integrity, strength, and commitment that guided his Air Force career. He believed in doing the right thing, working hard, keeping your word, and showing up for the people who mattered.

Don was handsome, charismatic, and rarely met a stranger. He possessed a quick wit, a contagious smile, and a knack for storytelling that could turn a five-minute conversation into an hour-long visit. He loved to laugh, loved to tease, and somehow always seemed to have the perfect one-liner ready at exactly the right moment. His grandchildren knew him simply as "Big Dad", a title he wore with enormous pride and enthusiasm.

After retiring from military service, Don and Martha returned to their Oklahoma roots, settling in Stillwater in the early ‘90’s before relocating to the family farm in Perkins in 2006. The farm, originally established by Martha's beloved Aunt Florence and Uncle Dale Holbrook, became a place where family gathered, memories were made, and Don could enjoy the simpler things in life.

To know Don was to know a man who was fiercely loyal, unapologetically patriotic, deeply faithful, and endlessly devoted to his family. He loved his country, loved his Cowboys, loved a good conversation, and loved the people fortunate enough to call him husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, and friend.

Don was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Martha Ann Lyon, his brother, Larry Lyon and his brother-in-law Robert L. Hert, Jr.

He is survived by his son, Donnie Lyon and wife Jennifer; grandchildren Meagan Lyon and Drew Lyon; brother Phil Lyon and wife Judee Lyon; sister-in-law Mary Lee Hert-Draper; sister-in-law Joan Hert; numerous nieces and nephews; and his faithful canine companion, Lucky.

Though his family will miss hearing his stories, his laughter, and undoubtedly a bit of his advice, they find comfort knowing that his legacy of service, faith, love, and devotion lives on in all who knew him.

A viewing will be held at Strode Funeral Home in Stillwater, Oklahoma, on Thursday, 10/22/2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A graveside service will take place on Sunday, 10/25/2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Knipe Cemetery in Perkins, Oklahoma.

All are welcome and encouraged to attend the graveside service and are invited to join the family afterward at the Lyon House, located across the street from the cemetery, for food, fellowship, and the sharing of stories and memories.

In honor of Don's unwavering patriotism and proud service to the United States Air Force, guests are encouraged to wear patriotic attire.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the hourly employees of Legacy Village of Stillwater. The facility and its staff lovingly supported both Don and Martha throughout much of their end-of-life journey and have made a lasting impact on the family.

Donations may be made payable to: Legacy Village Christmas Fund – 2026 (memo CNA Fund) and mailed to: Legacy Village of Stillwater, 5601 N. Washington St. Stillwater, OK 74075, Attn: Nikki Burke

"Loyal and True" was more than Oklahoma State's motto to Don. It was simply how he lived his life.