Army Spc. Thomas F. Lyons

Died September 8, 2009 Serving During Operation Iraqi Freedom

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20, of Fernley, Nev.; assigned to the 545th Military Police Company, Arctic Military Police Battalion, Fort Richardson, Alaska; died of wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an explosive device Sept. 8 in Tikrit, Iraq. Also killed were Pfc. Zachary T. Myers and Staff Sgt. Shannon M. Smith.

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Flags at half-staff on day of burial

The Associated Press

FERNLEY, Nev. — A northern Nevada soldier killed Sept. 8 in Iraq has been laid to rest in Fernley.

Funeral services for Army Pfc. Thomas Lyons, 20, took place Sept. 14, with burial at Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

Lyons died when an enemy explosion hit the truck he was riding in north of Baghdad.

His wife, Delvin, is also an active duty soldier, and both were stationed at Fort Richardson, Alaska. The Lyons had their first child this spring.

Lyons’ family and a military honor guard received his body Sept. 13 at Reno-Tahoe International Airport.

Flags at the Nevada State Capitol Complex were flown at half-staff Sept. 14 in honor of Lyons.

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From rebellious teen to responsible soldier

The Associated Press

In the last years of his life, Thomas F. Lyons grew from a rebellious teen who once made off with his family’s car and wrecked it to a “good man” who was happy to be a father, his best friend said.

“He chose to go to Iraq,” Michael Coughlin said. “He didn’t go for blood or glory. He went to protect his family and freedom.”

Lyons, 20, of Fernley, Nev., died Sept. 8 when the vehicle he was in was attacked with an explosive device in Baji, Iraq. Three others also were killed. All four were based at Fort Richardson, Alaska.

John Flint said his stepson was kind and giving, and sometimes unaware of his talents.

“He loved life and people,” Flint said.

Lyons grew up in a large family and he liked sports. He wanted to become a police officer when he returned from Iraq.

Earlier this year in Alaska, Lyons married his wife, Delvin, a military police officer. The couple’s son, Erik, was born in May.

Lyons was deployed to Iraq in July. He was posthumously promoted from private first class to specialist.

“His sacrifice will not be forgotten by both his country and his community,” Coughlin said.