“Old Pilots never die. They only fly higher”. Gilbert Anson Lyons Jr. Lt. JG Navy Ret. passed away peacefully in his home in Welsh on Monday, Dec. 30, 2024 at the age of 92 surrounded by his loving family.

Gilbert was born in Thornwell, La. on Sept. 3, 1932, the son of Gilbert A. Lyon Sr. and Elodie Marie Broussard. Gilbert grew up on the family farm south of Thornwell. He attended Lake Arthur Elementary School the first five years, continuing his schooling in Welsh, graduating  from Welsh High School. Gilbert attended S.L.I. in Lafayette. (now U.of L.)

When Gilbert was in high school he secretly took flying lessons. The day he soloed was the first time his parents knew of his new hobby. Even with his mother’s objections, flying became his passion.

Gilbert enlisted in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict. He became a Naval officer, with wings presented in Pensacola, Fla. Four years of active duty as anti-sub-carrier pilot with over 200 day and night landings on aircraft carriers, Valley Forge, Antietam, Tarawa and Leyte. He was honorably discharged as a Lieutenant Junior Grade in April of 1957, returning home he resumed management of the family farm becoming President of Lyon Interest and Vice President of Lyon Flying Service in Welsh. He actively served area farmers and their crops as an aerial applicator, flying for 35 years. 

After returning home, Gilbert married Mary Sue Prague of Welsh. Mary Sue and Gilbert had six children, Gilbert III, Jeffrey, Timmy, Suzie, Julie, and Ted. Mary Sue and Gilbert were married for 67 years. 

Gilbert was a member of the Thornwell Warehouse Board of Directors, serving as President for several years; member of Louisiana Aerial Application Association, serving as president for a term; member of Southern Farmer Association of Little Rock, Arkansas for over 20 years, serving as Secretary-Treasurer for a term. 

Gilbert was involved in the Boy Scouts of America, serving as Scout-Master; member of the Welsh Rotary, serving as President; member of Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church; Third and Fourth degree Knights of Columbus; member of American Legion and VFW Organizations. 

Gilbert was preceded in death by his parents, Gilbert Sr. and Elodie Lyon; one daughter, Julie Annette Daigle, and one great-grandson.

Gilbert is survived by his wife, Mary Sue Prague Lyon; five children, Gilbert Anson (Karen) Lyon, III of Orange, Texas, Jeffrey Christopher (Charlotte) Lyon of Welsh, Timothy Patrick (Michelle) Lyon of Roswell New Mexico, Mary Suzanne (Kevin) Hebert of Round Rock, Texas and Theodore James (Donna) Lyon of Lake Charles; 14 grandchildren, Jana Davidson, Gilbert Lyon IV, Sara Kleinpeter, Kristian Lyon, Devin Lyon, Michael Lyon, William Lyon, Amanda Farnum, Karl Hebert, Ashley Hanks, Heather Borne, Tiffany Lowe, Mason Bower, and Alyssa Lyon; 26 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; one brother, Emery F. Lyon of Welsh, and nieces and nephews.

Gilbert, affectionately known as Grand-Pere, will be missed by all.

The family will welcome relatives and friends at Hixson Funeral Home of Welsh on Friday, Jan. 3, 2025 beginning at 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. with a rosary to be prayed at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will resume on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025 beginning at 8 a.m. until the procession leaves for the church at 9:45 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church at 10 a.m. followed by burial in church Mausoleum.

The family would like to give a sincere thank you to Brighton Bridge Hospice for their compassionate care during Gilbert’s sickness.