Kirby Kent Lyons, 66 of Greenville, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly at his place of business, Kirby Lyons Auctioneers, on Sunday June 4 th 2023.
He was born August 28, 1956, in Union City, Indiana, to the late Robert J. and Pauline (Fink) Lyons.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Tammy Shapiro.
Kirby grew up in Hillgrove, Ohio, where he began honing his exceptional work ethics with a lawn mowing business at the young age of 11. By age 13, he added a second job working at Pinny’s Grocery in Union City, Ohio.
After graduating from Mississinawa Valley High School in 1974, he worked with his father and brother Kim in the Auto Body Business prior to them founding Lyons Motors and then Straight Arrow Auto Ranch, all in Greenville.
Upon completing Auctioneer School in 1988, Kirby dedicated his life to building his Auction Business into the successful venture that exists today. He was passionate about working hard, paid attention to details, believed in honesty and fairness, and didn’t ask employees to do anything he wouldn’t do himself. He took pride in making his business a family business, working side by side with his wife, children, parents, siblings and partner and son in law Michel who he has been mentoring for the past ten years. Kirby gained a larger family through his wonderful and dedicated employees and loyal customers.
His biggest fan was his loving and caring wife Carolyn who he married November 6, 1976; a couple of years after his shiny 1971 Cuda caught her eye on Broadway. For 47 years she worked side by side with him and devoted her life to helping fulfill their dreams, even while building a successful business, Kirby always made time for his family. He loved showing horses with his daughters, watching his grandchildren play ball and having family get togethers at their home. Kirby loved his family fiercely making sure their needs and wants were always met. He was a larger than life man and the steady rock his family could always depend on.
Survivors include his wife Carolyn (Hathaway) Lyons; daughters, Heather (Michel) Werner, and Kristi (Dustin) Morr; apple of his eye grandchildren, Mason and Emma Werner, and Ainsley and Teddi Morr; sister, Sherry (Larry) Masters; brother, Kim (Lynn) Lyons; brothers in laws and sisters in laws, Jim and Janet Johnson, Thomas Hathaway, Ralph Hathaway, Ken (Janet) Hathaway, and Frank Shapiro; numerous nieces and nephews; his beloved cats, especially Cuda; and many loyal friends, employees and customers.
Services will be held on Tuesday June 13, 2023 at 10:30 AM at Zechar Bailey Funeral Home, Greenville, Ohio , with Rev. Doug Baker officiating. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Monday June 12, 2023 at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Ansonia Youth League, P.O. Box 826 Ansonia, Ohio 45303. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.zecharbailey.com for the Lyons Family.
