John Otha Lyon

Obituary For John Otha Lyon

Proverbs 16:9: “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.”

During his life, John Lyon listened to God’s spirit and his inner voice to become a trailblazer that opened paths and challenged people to excellence.

John O. Lyon entered eternal rest at the age of 92, just six weeks shy of his 93rd birthday. He lived a full, powerful, and unforgettable life — one marked by courage, leadership, family, service, faith, friendship, and joy.

John was one of six children, blessed with two brothers and four sisters. From an early age, he carried himself with strength, confidence, and purpose. After graduating from Merrick-Moore High School, he served his country in the United States Army, including service in South Korea and Europe. While in the Army, he was the catcher on the Army Baseball Team. The unit was undefeated during the regular season but lost by 1 point in the Championship Game. He was exposed to many cultures and traditions in Europe. He discovered motorcycles and learned to ride motorbikes during his tour. As the only African Americanin his Military Unit and Baseball Team, he was a globalambassador for Durham. The discipline, determination, and love for people he carried during that season followed him throughout every chapter of his life.

Upon his return from service, he enrolled in Gaston Technical Institute to complete his dream of being a college graduate. He was the first African American to attend this school and the 23rd African American to enroll in the entire UNC System. After graduating from Gaston Tech, he joined nine other men in 1958 to become the 2nd Group of certified African American Fire Fighters in the State of North Carolina. At this time, there were only 52 other professional Fire Fighters in the South. The “Original Ten” was headquartered on Fayetteville Street and servicedmultiple communities that did not have access to Fire Prevention. They used innovative techniques and grit to transform the assigned “hand me down” equipment into life saving tools for the community. John served the Fire Department and the citizens of Durham for almost 40 years and retired as a Captain.

His service to the Durham Community extended beyond the fire department. From the 1960’s until his passing, he worked with and founded numerous organizations. He was a 33rd Mason in the Prince Hall Organization, an officer with Zafa Temple #176 and a Member of AS Hunter #825. He was a Founding Member of The Bull City Riders MotorCycle Club and created a Taxi Company. The Taxi Company created jobs and transportation solutions for Durham Citizens. Also, the Masonic Organizations and BullCity Riders provided various services for people and children all over the city and state. He was a philanthropic supporter of various businesses and served on numerous Boards including the Board of Trustees for New Hope Missionary Baptist Church.

In the 1990s, he worked with his wife Constantine to lobby the City of Durham to re-zone property off of Scott King Rd to create affordable housing for families, which the City eventually approved. This new platform was used along with Lyon Family Farmland to create the Lyon’s Farm Community. Construction of the new community started in 2008. This Community expanded and eventually led to the construction of a school, Lyons’ Farm Elementary. The school educates kids from all communities and createspathways for future success. This schools’ Vision & Mission are a personification of John’s approach to life: “Advancing Exploration, Joy, Rigor, Justice and Growth”.

John leaves to cherish his memory: his sister, Herbert Lee Butler; his children, Reginald “Reggie” Lyon and Dr. Johnita Lyon Darton; his grandchildren, Trenten Darton,Trever Darton and Natalia Lyon; his beloved nieces and nephews; extended family; dear friends; fellow riders; church family; and all who were blessed to know him.

He lived boldly. He loved deeply. He led with Strength. He Laughed Often. He gave life everything he had and truly left nothing on the table.

John O. Lyon will be missed, honored, and remembered always. He lives on in through his family and you. You are his Lyon Legacy

FUNERAL SERVICE DETAILS

11:00 AM | Visitation

12:00 Noon | Service

Saturday, May 2, 2026

LOCATION:

New Hope Missionary Baptist Church

581 New Hope Church Rd, Apex, NC 27523

Interment: Glennview Memorial Park

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