KRIS ALAN LYON

Kris Alan Lyon, age 52, died Monday, Feb. 7, 2011 at home in Henderson, Nev.

He was born Jan. 8, 1959 at Webb AFB in Big Spring, Texas, the son of Kenneth W. and Janet (Whiteside) Lyon.

He first married Dorothy G. Halpin of Las Vegas, Nev., on Aug 6, 1983 in Fort Scott at his grandparents' home on 710 S. Crawford St. They divorced and he later married Terri L (Cope) Childers of Las Vegas, Nev., on Feb. 19, 1994 in Las Vegas and also later divorced.

He is survived by a son, Kenneth F. Lyon, a student at the University of Nevada at Las Vegas and a daughter, Kristin L. Lyon, a student at the University of Nevada at Reno, children of his first marriage; father, Kenneth W. Lyon of Fort Scott; two brothers, Kent S. Lyon and wife, Pascale, of Munich, Germany; and, Kevin W. Lyon and wife, Michele, of Fort Scott; four nephews, Glen Lyon, of Munich, Daniel, Jarrett, and Andrew Lyon of Fort Scott.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Janet, and twin infant sisters, Kimberly and Kellylee.

He graduated from high school in Las Vegas in 1977, attended two years of college in Munich with his brother, Kent, when his father was stationed with the Air Force in Germany, then attending the University of Nevada in Las Vegas graduating with bachelor of science degree in biology in 1987 and a master of science degree in biology 1990.

While attending the university, he worked as an assistant in the biology and human anatomy labs, then later was employed by the Lockheed Corp. Environmental Division as a biologist helping government and industry meet national EPA standards.

After leaving Lockheed Corp., he worked as a registered respiratory therapist providing pediatric and adult general respiratory care and adult critical care for Sunrise Hospital in Las Vegas.

He also served on the Community College of Southern Nevada adjunct faculty providing laboratory instruction in human anatomy and physiology.

He later attended Midwestern University's College of Health Sciences in Glendale, Ariz., graduating in 2004 with a master of medical science in physician assistant (PA) studies. He then returned to Las Vegas working as a PA in the North Vista Hospital ER until his death.

Kris dedicated his life to helping others by accepting the challenges associated with working in a major hospital's emergency room environment. He saved lives, and to some, was considered a "hero."

In addition to his work, he was totally devoted to his son and daughter to assist them in preparing for their future.

Fort Scott was his second home since he'd lived here for a time as a child and made many visits with his parents over the years to visit his grandparents and other family members and then later to spend time with his parents each year when they returned to Fort Scott in 1984.

He was a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, the Nevada Association of Physician Assistants, the National Board for Respiratory Care, and the Society for Physician Assistants in Pediatrics.

Following cremation, his remains will be returned to Fort Scott for burial in the early summer.