Joseph Carter Lyon

Born in Oak Park, IL to Leonard & Ruth Lyon, Joe was a proud US Army veteran - serving as a First Lieutenant in Vietnam where he was awarded a Bronze Star.

Upon his return from Vietnam, Joe settled in the Chicago area where he raised his two children, Kelly & John, and became among the first owner-operators of a McDonald’s franchise. McDonald’s founder, Ray Kroc, was a family friend and mentor, proudly witnessing Joe’s success.

Joe purchased a vacation home in Palm Springs, CA in 1977, later retiring there full time. He was introduced to his wife by Mel Haber at Melvyn’s Restaurant. Joe & Diana have been lovingly married since 1996.

Joe was a lifelong fan of Notre Dame football and Chicago Cubs baseball, where he was a season ticket holder for over 40 years. He often joined his friend, Harry Caray, in the Wrigley Field broadcasting booth and at the Cubs spring training in Mesa, AZ.

He is survived by his brother (Bob Lyon - St. Charles, IL), wife (Diana Lyon - Palm Springs, CA), daughter (Kelly Lyon - Shreveport, LA), son (John Lyon - Shreveport, LA) and step-daughters (Cathy Rodrigues & husband, Frank - Rancho Mirage, CA), (Shari Tipich - San Pedro, CA), (Kristi Volmensky & husband, Andrew - Del Rey Oaks, CA).

The family would like to thank the following: longtime friend, Hans Meyer; niece, Susan Lyon & husband Tim Wybenga; friend & doctor, William Grimm; caretakers, Kelly Legoh, Mery Marbun & Diane Londah; and his many Palm Springs friends at the American Legion Post 519, O’Donnell Golf Club & Rick’s Restaurant.

A memorial will be held in Palm Springs in the fall of 2025 - details to be determined.