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John Michael Lyons, 68, passed away Saturday, December 2, 2000, after a difficult battle with ALS. Mike was born in Red Lion, Pennsylvania. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Notre Dame, as well as earning a Masters in Aeronautical Engineering from Cornell University. He commanded a strong presence as a Korean War Veteran, earning great distinction as a US Air Force pilot, testing the world's first production jet aircraft, the Starfighter. He also attained the rank of Captain in active duty and continued to serve in the reserves for several years. He worked for the Aerospace and RDA corporations as a distinguished engineer. Always remarkably active, Mike was an avid handball player, biker, sailor and hiker who shared his love of adventure with his family and friends. Giving of himself in so many ways, Mike volunteered for many organizations including years of service to the Boy Scouts of America, Brothers of the Good Shepherd, Sandia High School Homeowners Association and VITA. He also taught in the Albuquerque Public Schools as a substitute math and science teacher. He was a member of the American Legion, Knights of Columbus, as well as a parishioner of Sangre de Cristo Catholic Church. Mike is survived by his wife of 38 years, Patricia; sons, Timothy of Oahu, HI; Thomas and wife, Shirley and son, Donald of Redwood City, CA; Daniel and wife, Jackie and son, Sean of Albuquerque; John of San Diego, CA; and daughter, Kathleen Schneeman and husband, Brent of Austin, TX. Mike's focus on living every day to the fullest created rich memories for his wife and children that will be passed from generation to generation. Rosary will be recited Tuesday, 7:00 p.m., at French Mortuary, University Blvd. Chapel, 1111 University Blvd. NE, with Deacon Lloyd Martinez reciting. Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., at Sangre de Cristo Catholic Church, 8901 Candelaria Rd. NE, with Father Podvin, Celebrant. Interment will follow at Santa Fe National Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. Pallbearers will be Timothy P. Lyons, Thomas F. Lyons, Daniel E. Lyons, John A. Lyons and Brent T. Schneeman. Honorary pallbearers will be Marty Barker, Hal Behl, Jack Switzer and Pete Jones. Friends may visit French Mortuary, Tuesday from 6:00 p.m. to time of rosary. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Brothers of the Good Shepherd, 901 Brother Mathias Place NW, 87103 or Friends in Time, 4906A Jefferson St. NE, 87109. French Mortuary, 1111 University Blvd. NE.
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