Surrounded by the love of his family, Paul James Lydon died peacefully May 6, 2021, at the Montgomery County Memorial Hospital in Red Oak, Iowa.
Paul was born August 28, 1946, the second child of Francis ‘Mike’ and Ellen (Fitzgerald) Lydon. Born and raised in the Highland Park area of Des Moines, Paul attended grammar school at his home parish, All Saints Catholic Church. After graduating from Dowling High School, he attended Grandview College and Drake University, graduating with a degree in Business Management in 1970. Paul worked in plant management for most of his career.
Six months after their first date, and never one to worry about superstition, Paul proposed to the love of his life, Patricia Chapman, on Friday the 13th. They united in marriage on August 8, 1970, surrounded by those they loved at All Saints Catholic Church. Paul’s faith in the Church was only matched by his faith in his marriage. In the earliest days of their marriage, when Paul was working nights, Pat would pick up him at midnight, and they would share pizza and onion rings from Mama Lacona’s. Those late-night dates, and a strong foundation of love and respect, built a marriage that spanned fifty-one years. Paul and Pat have five amazing children, Christine, Joseph, Nicholas, Katherine, and Daniel. That’s it. They are all simply amazing.
Paul was an Irishman through and through. He made sure that he had the Ancestory.com paperwork to prove that he was, indeed, 98% true Irish. With being an Irishman, Paul could spin a tale with a twinkle in his eye, and a mischievous grin on his face. Everyone who ever met Pauly knew all about his life as he was never one to shy away from telling a good story. Most of what he told you the first, the second, and the third time, was true. With his proud ancestry, came a powerful loyalty to his family, faith, and friends. Paul was a dedicated member of the Catholic Church. He was a steadfast friend who lived for his family.
That pride in his family is everything he saw in his perfect grandchildren. In fact, one of Paul’s favorite pastimes was bragging about his grandchildren, all who possess the ability to walk on water, among other talents. His grandchildren are his legacy of family and faith. They are apt stewards of this honorable legacy.
Famous for growing tomatoes the size of your head, Paul was an avid gardener, fisherman, and generally loved being outdoors. In recent years, his favorite pastimes included yelling at Alexa, spoiling his dog, and teasing his wife. One of the greatest pleasures of his retirement was being able to witness the outstanding adults his children have grown to be. But, he never neglected to tell them about all of the nurses and rehabilitation therapists who also loved him as much as his real family.
He is survived by his wife, Pat Lydon of Red Oak, IA; children: Cris (Larry) Jacobson of Maryville, MO, Joe (Jennifer) Lydon of Red Oak, IA, Nic Lydon of Platte City, MO, Kate Lydon of Maryville, MO, and Dan Lydon of Council Bluffs, IA; three grandchildren: Tuan, Adelia, and Seth; mother-in-law Betty Chapman, sisters-in-law, Phyllis Stakey and Pam (Tim) Austin, many nieces, nephews, friends, and his beloved dog, Rusty.
Paul was preceded in death by his father, Francis ‘Mike’, mother, Ellen, sisters, Mary and Rita, father-in-law, Clyde Chapman, brother-in-law, Jim Stakey, and many dear relatives and friends.
Paul was hilarious, sarcastic, serious, and full of faith all at the same time. He gave to everyone around him because he knew what it meant to be a good person and a follower of Jesus. While our hearts are broken, we rejoice that he is no longer in pain.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, May 10, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Red Oak, Iowa.
Burial in the St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery, Massena, Iowa at 2:00 p.m.
Rosary will be held on Sunday, May 9, 2021 at 4:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Red Oak, IA with visitation to follow from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
A memorial is being established in Paul’s name.
Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
