The Rev. David T. Lyon, Pastor Emeritus of St. Luke’s United Church of Christ, Independence, died Sunday, September 13, 2020. He was born February 1, 1947 in Pennsylvania.
David served as the pastor of St. Luke’s UCC for a little over 20 years, from August 1, 1991 – February 12, 2012. He graduated from Syracuse University with a dual major in journalism and religion. He was ordained in 1972 after graduating from Andover Newton Theological School in Massachusetts. He then graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada with a graduate degree in Biblical Archaeology. During this time he also participated in two archaeological expeditions in the Holy Land. For nearly fifteen years, he served as a Campus Minister in Ontario and Hays, Kansas. He taught archaeology, world religions, and denominational polity at a number of schools. Before coming to St. Luke’s, David was the pastor of Pilgrim UCC, Wichita, KS.
David was past president of the Independence Ministerial Alliance, served on the board of Community Services League, and served as the Moderator of The Missouri Mid-South Conference of the United Church of Christ. He also served many times as the Chairperson of the Western Association’s Committee on Ministry.
While at St. Luke’s David regularly taught an adult Bible Study class which was known for outlandish stories, great fun, and inspiring lessons. He also enjoyed his time with the children & youth while teaching Confirmation Classes and doing Children’s Moment during worship where he talked about everything from skunks to the meaning of Lent. People related to his sermons where he was able to tie scriptures to everyday life including baseball, his dogs, and colorful people from his past.
He was a much loved pastor at St. Luke’s. He was honored at a celebration in March, 2009 when he became the longest serving pastor of the congregation which was established in 1878. He was honored as St. Luke’s Pastor Emeritus on February 12, 2012 during his Service of Farewell.
David’s survivors include his wife, Paula, his sister, Karen Lyon, and his dog, Bentley.
