Kenneth “Ken” Paul Lyons was born on March 20, 1944, in Lake Charles, La., to Elder Marie Richard Lyons and J.B. Lyons Jr.

Ken graduated from Sulphur High School in 1962 with a basketball scholarship to Nicholls State College. He had a passion for basketball. He won many awards, including the Joe Young Memorial Trophy. In college, he was referred to by his nefariously given nickname, “Pahoo,” or the pathfinder, which was attributed to his leadership skills and diplomacy. In 1966, he married his high school sweetheart, Helen Jean Schumacher Lyons (Jean). They had a lifelong marriage of 57 years. In their early years, he was in law enforcement in Thibodaux, La. He was promoted as captain and was able to work statewide in areas of law enforcement. He was a State Farm adjuster. He returned to Sulphur, La. to join Lyons Real Estate as a broker, realtor, and developer.

Ken was well-known and loved in the community. He loved Louisiana, his Cajun roots, and all the people here. He was involved in the political arena and helping the community. He was always looking out for the “underdog”. He enjoyed music and played guitar and piano by ear. He passed down these talents to his children and grandchildren. He loved to sing and dance, especially at the College Inn in Thibodaux. He was quite the strategist in childhood as well as adulthood. In high school, the house was always full of his friends. Dancing and singing and surrounding him around the piano as he played. He influenced so many. He was “larger than life”, and he was  a “gentle giant.” 

He departed this life on Jan. 13, 2024, after a lengthy illness with his wife by his side.

Ken is survived by his wife, Jean; his sons, Joseph B. Lyons III, and Edward D. Lyons, and his daughter, Michelle M. Lyons; his grandchildren, Raymond P. Casteel, Christopher D. Mancil, Helen (Neri) Mancil, Travis Lyons, Brittany Broussard, Dustin Broussard, and Caleb Widcamp; 11 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and greats, and his beloved siblings, Dorothy (Tookie) Lyons, Marie E. Lyons, and Richard (Dickie) Lyons. 

He is preceded by his older brother, Phillip (Bud) Lyons, and his mother and father. 

The family wants to express how proud of him we all are and all so blessed by his presence in our lives.

A Celebration of Ken’s life will be held at Hixson-Sulphur Memorial Funeral Home on Monday, Jan. 22, 2024, at 2 p.m., with Deacon Patrick LaPoint Sr. officiating. Visitation will be at Hixson-Sulphur Memorial Funeral Home on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Visitation will resume at the funeral home on Monday, from 12 p.m. until the time of the service. Burial will follow at Big Woods Cemetery in Vinton, La. 

The pallbearers include Raymond Casteel, Daniel Mancil, Caleb Widcamp, Travis Lyons, Dustin Broussard, and Phillip Lyons. 

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonsulphurme morial.com.