Phillys Evangeline Lyons

Phillys Evangeline Lyons

June 27, 1918 - June 14, 2013

McCOOK, Nebraska -- Phillys Evangeline Lyons, age 94, of McCook, passed away Friday, June 14, 2013, at Community Hospital.

Phillys was born June 27, 1918, on her parents' farm near Wauneta, Nebraska to Jay A. and Orba (Pflum) Person. She attended and graduated from Wauneta High School in 1935. Phillys attended the University of Nebraska as one of the first Regent Scholars; graduating in 1939 with a Bachelor of Arts in Education.

Phillys accepted her first teaching positions at Wilsonville, Nebraska, and Cambridge, Nebraska, prior to marrying William Wallace Lyons on June 15, 1941 in Wauneta. William joined the Navy during World War II and during the war years, the couple lived in numerous places while he served his country.

In 1951, the family moved to McCook, Nebaska, where Phillys was a very busy mother to four young children: William, Carol, Jayne and Philip. She was a member of the First Congregational Church where she served on several committees. Phillys was also a member of the American Association of University Women, founding board member of the High Plains Historical Society and Museum, the first women to run as a Democrat from Nebraska for the U.S. Senate, and she also founded McCook chapter of the American Field Service. Phillys shared her love for travel and adventure by hosting many foreign exchange students over the years.

Phillys was preceded in death by her parents; husband, William; and brother, Bruce Person.

She is survived by her four children; Dr. William Lyons III and wife, Donna, of Arizona, Carol Dolan of California, Jayne Lyons of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and Philip Lyons and wife Diane, of McCook. Also surviving is her sister-in-law, Margaret Person of Montana. Phillys leaves behind 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren and many beloved honorary family members.

Memorials may be designated to the High Plains Historical Society, 413 Norris Ave., McCook, NE 69001, or The Jay Person Scholarship Fund (c/o McCook Community College (MCC) Foundation) PO Box 195, McCook, NE 69001, or to the charity of your choice.

Memorial services will be Wednesday, June 19, 2013, 2 p.m., at the First Congregational Church in McCook with Pastor Steve Bales officiating. Private inurnment will be held at a later date.

Friends may send condolences online at www.carpenterbreland.com.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of the arrangements.