It is my very sad duty to inform you all of the death of George Lyons late KOYLI and DLI who sadly passed away on 15 Nov 2019 aged 96. George enlisted on 16 Jun 1942 and served with 2/4 KOYLI before transferring to 16 DLI.
Our thoughts and condolences are with George's family and friends at this sad time. Rest in peace George your duty done take your place in the FRV. Cede Nullis.
George's family have asked for the following to be published as an obituary to him:
George Lyons passed away on 15 November 2019 in the Earl Mountbatten Hospice on the Isle of Wight aged 96 years. A proud Yorkshireman who moved to the Isle of Wight ten years ago to be near his family after his beloved wife, Marian, pass away.
He was always proud to share in family celebration and was a much loved dad, grandad and great grandad as well as a friend to all who knew him. He was a true old soldier, kind and gentle who always had time to listen and help.
He was a WW2 Veteran serving first with the KOYLI and later the 16 Durham Light Infantry, seeing active service in North Africa, Italy and was a prisoner of war in Greece. He had returned to the battlefields of Italy twice, standing again on the beach at Salerno where he landed in 1943, and visiting the Abbey, which he had seen before it was bombed. Being able to pay his respects at the graves of his friends and comrades in the beautifully kept cemeteries was important to him.
He planted one of the ceramic poppies in the display at the Tower of London and last year was a guest at the Not Forgotten Associations garden party at Buckingham Palace. He had visited the D Day landing beaches and also travelled to Ypres for the Armistice Day parade.
He wore his poppy with pride and always took part in the local Armed Forces Day and Armistice Day parades. We owe so much to this generation and we are proud he was a member of our family.
Funeral Arrangements:
Location: Dewsbury Moor Crematorium, Heckmondwike Road, Dewsbury Moor, Dewsbury WF13 3PL
Date and Time: 2 Dec 19 at 1115 hrs
Coffin Drape: No
Standard Bearers: Yes KOYLI
Bugler: Yes
Association members welcome: Yes
Donations in lieu of flowers to Earl Mountbatten Hospice, Halberry Lane, Newport, lsle of Wight PO30 2ER
Wake: Healds Hall Hotel Leeds Road, Liversedge, WF 15 6JA - after the funeral has taken place.