Kent Ivan Lyons

BURLEY - Kent Ivan Lyons, 88, of Burley, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2016, at Promise Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah, due to complications from a recent surgery.

He was born December 5, 1927, in Burley, Cassia County, Idaho, to Ivan Edward Lyons and Ruth Smith Lyons. He was the oldest of seven children. He graduated from Burley High School and attended both Idaho State University and Brigham Young University. He married Kathleen Devey Lyons on April 20, 1950, in the Logan, Utah LDS Temple, and they enjoyed 66 years together. They made their home in Burley, Idaho, and raised five children.

Kent was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He held various callings throughout his life, but his favorite calling was as a home-teacher, where he devoted his time to watch over, serve, and care for others in need.

Kent was a third generation builder, following his grandfather, Thomas, and his father, Ivan. He was an expert craftsman and the homes and businesses he built reflected his artistry and perfection. The home he built for his wife and family is filled with beautiful pieces of furniture designed and built by him. The last piece he made was an end-table for his wife to sit beside her new chair. He also used his talent to build his own casket, and an identical one for his wife.

Kent loved the outdoors—visiting fishing holes, hiking in the Sawtooths, and spending evenings with his family at Lake Cleveland and the South hills. He had a special fondness for the Southwest and spending time in Navajo country. He and his wife thoroughly enjoyed exploring together to see what was over the next hill. One of their greatest thrills was to travel to Greece with Kent’s brother, Lamont and his wife, Connie.

Kent loved nothing more than to spend time together with his family. The door was always open for gatherings of all kinds in the backyard or around the table where important memories were made and now cherished. Many pancakes and waffles were served by Grandpa.

Kent was a devoted husband and father. First and foremost, he watched over and took care of his family. His family meant everything to him, and he meant everything to us. He will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his wife, Kathleen; and their five children, Karen Taylor (Ferris) of Draper, Utah, Anita Lyons of American Fork, Utah, Warren Devey Lyons (Verna) of Mesa, Ariz.; Allyson Sterling (Kent) of Idaho Falls, Idaho; and Nancy Riess (Danny) of Nampa, Idaho; 13 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. He was also survived by his dog, Winnie, and was known to say, “Everyone looks better with a little dog hair on them!” Also survived by his siblings, Annette Wilson of Mesa, Ariz., Barton (Kareena) Lyons of Boise, Idaho, Dr. Lamont (Connie) Lyons of Boise, Idaho, and Julie (Lowell) Curtis of Hollister, Idaho.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, K Lyons, sister Yvonne Lowe, and great-granddaughter, Sage Kathleen Bartlett.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 2, 2016, at the Star LDS Church, 100 S. 200 W., of Burley, with bishop Jeff Harris officiating. Burial will follow at the Burley Cemetery.

Friends and family may call from 6 until 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 1, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 East 16th Street, in Burley, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Tuesday at the church.

Online condolences may be left for the family by visiting rasmussenfh@pmt.org. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to one of Kent’s favorite charities, Heifer International (www.heifer.org).