Laurel High School’s beloved assistant defensive football coach, Kelvin Lyon, dies of a sudden apparent heart attack at the young age of 40.
There is no one who loved football more than Coach Kelvin Lyon. Since his youth, football has been a part of his life. Graduating from Neshoba Central High School, Coach Lyon went on to play football at East Central Community College. After two years, he went to Emporia State University in Kansas where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and later obtained a Masters of Education from the University of Southern Mississippi.
Upon graduation, he went on to pursue a career as a football coach. His career took him back to East Central Community College. He had a two year stint in the arena league as a coach for the Mississippi Firedogs, previously at Hancock High School and later at Abramson High School in New Orleans as a head coach. His final run down the field was as the assistant defensive coach at Laurel High School leading the tornadoes for two seasons.
Being more than just a man on the field, Coach Lyon has impacted many lives on the field of life with family and friends that span from one corner of the region to the other. He leaves behind a virtuous and loving wife, Sheila Lyon; two sisters, Bonnie Lynn Brownlee (Archie) and Delphine Howard (John L); and three brothers, Mac Arthur Lyon (Lodaris), Dennis Andrew Lyon (Maxine), and Delvin Lyon. He is preceded in death by his mother, Luevertis Lyon, his father, Dennis Lyon, and his siblings, Dixie Norfleet, Matthew Lyon and Douglas Lyon. He also leaves behind numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Coach Lyon will be greatly missed.
A memorial service was held for him at Laurel High School on September 24, 2006. The Laurel High School Gospel Choir provided a musical tribute at the beginning and end of the service. Remarks were made by Carolyn Stone, LHS Principal and Dr. Glenn McGee, Laurel School District Superintendent. Latasha Gates, Savannah Keeler, and Tiffany Husband, LHS students, read poetry and fellow LHS football coach, Mike Barlow, reminisced about his dear friend. William Veasley, LHS football player gave a team tribute, and LHS Head Coach Milton Smith gave a Coach’s tribute.
Coach Lyon will be laid to rest on Wednesday, September 27th, 2006, at 11:00 at Mount Ary Baptist Church Cemetery. |
