Robert W. Lyons, Sr., 80 years old, passed away peacefully at Hospice of Northwest, Ohio on Saturday, January 3, 2026 with his wife faithfully sitting by his side.

Born in Duncan, Oklahoma, February 11, 1945, to Warren McGee and Mary Elizabeth Lane-Lyons. He was united in Holy Matrimony to Shirley M. Lyons on April 17, 1975 .

Bishop Lyons dedicated his life to serving God and His people. After graduating from Duncan Senior High School on May 31, 1963, he pursed additional studies at the University of Southern California, Tulane University and Oklahoma University. His desire to learn all he could so that he would be able to equip others to do the work of the ministry, led him to begin studies at the United Theological Seminary, Centerville Bible College, President of CIS Bible Institute and begin his studies for his Doctorate Degree at Ashland University.

His love of traveling led him to spread his wings and travel to Los Angeles, California where he did one tour with James Cleveland and then on to Texas. He later moved to Dayton, Ohio and joined Tabernacle Baptist Church under the Rev. Dr. J. Welby Broaddus and later united with the Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of The Rev. Doctor Morris Smith where he served as an Associated Minister.

Rev. Lyons accepted his call to the ministry and was licensed to preach September 10, 1989. He was ordained to teach the word, preach the gospel and administer all the sacraments and function of the church November 25, 1990. For two years he served as Associate Minister at Mount Moriah in Dayton, Ohio. In 1993 he was sent to be of service and preach the Gospel to Christ Missionary Baptist Church, Marion, Ohio and accepted his calling as Pastor November 1994. He has faithfully shepherded congregations for over 35 years and licensed 7 sons into ministry: Rev. Torrance Oliphant, Rev. Michael Tucker, Rev. John Hicklin, Rev. Lee Love, Rev. Tracey Sumner, Rev. Devonte Williams and Rev. James Jones.

In 1996 he was elected 2nd Vice Moderator of the Northwestern Ohio Missionary Baptist District Association where he served faithfully for four years. On August 22, 2000, he was elected as Moderator of the Northwestern Missionary Baptist District Association and served as President of the Moderator’s Council for Ohio Baptist General Convention. On March 30, 2003, Pastor Lyons, Sr., accepted his calling as pastor of Greater St. Mary’s Missionary Baptist Church in Toledo, Ohio. On November 5, 2021, he was consecrated to the office of Bishop by the Bishop Prelate Robert W. Lyons, Jr. and Bishop Daryl D. Woodson.

His Appointments included: United States Representative US Chamber of Commerce; Deputy Director, Office of Economic Opportunity, Region Five in Oklahoma by President John F. Kennedy; Ohio Civil Rights Commission & Ohio Insurance Commission by John Gilligan Devaure; Board of Trustees, Ohio State College by Governor Jim Rhodes; Chief Investigator for Montgomery County Public Defenders by Judge John Kessler.

He served on the following Boards: Board President, Salem Avenue Business Association – Dayton; Board Member, Marion Technical College – Marion, OH; Board Trustee, Gospel of Nepal. Recently he acted as a Advocate for Parents in the Juvenile Court System and served as President of the Board for the Junction Coalition.

Bishop Lyons, Sr. was known for his compassionate heart, powerful preaching, and unwavering commitment to the Gospel. He had a gift for making everyone feel seen, valued, and loved, whether from the pulpit, court room, in a hospital room, or over a cup of coffee at McDonalds. His ministry extended beyond the church walls—feeding the hungry, mentoring young pastors, and leading mission trips across the globe. Churches and people across the globe will forever remember his love of cooking and eating good food!

He was preceded in death by a daughter – Baby Lyons; Father, Warren McGee and Mother, Mary Elizabeth Lyons and one sister Patricia Haulcey.

He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife Shirley Lyons of 51 years, two daughters - Deneen (Kent) Ross, Sr, Dayton, OH; Vernita (Glenn) Kilgore, Cincinnati, OH and two sons - Thillius Jevon (Julie) Kennedy and Bishop Robert (Jamila) Lyons, Jr Both of Dayton, OH; Eight cherished grandchildren who were the joy of his life – Courtney (Taurin) Hickman, Upper Marlboro, Maryland,; Brandon Kennedy, Los Angeles, CA: Morgan Kennedy, Dayton, OH; Kent Lamar Ross Jr., Cincinnati, OH; Emani (Arien) DeVeaux; Aniya Lyons, Sihr Robert W. Lyons, III both of Dayton, OH and Kayla Kilgore. Cincinnati, OH; One Great Granddaughter, – Ember Jae DeVauex, Dayton, OH; One sister, Patricia Hawley, Duncan, OK; Three brothers: Billy (Jacqueline) Devereaux, Oklahoma City, OK; Pastor Dwight (Deborah) McGee, Watonga, OK, and Rev. Duane (Karen) McGee, Aurora, CO

He is also remembered fondly by countless, family, friends, church members, and spiritual sons and daughters.

"Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your Lord." — Matthew 25:23