Wilbert A. Lyons

Wilbert A. “Bill” Lyons, M.D. died peacefully from natural causes on Thursday, June 9, 2022, at the Community at Rockhill, West Rockhill Township. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Nancy (Coombs) Lyons, who passed away January 15, 2022. They were married for 74 years and had shared many adventures together.

Bill, known as Doc to many, was born in Conway, PA on September 3, 1925, the only child of Charles A. and Belva E. (Torrence) Lyon.

As a result of World War II, he completed high school and Geneva College early and went on to graduate from Temple Medical School in 1948 at the age of 22. After completing an internship at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburg, Doc opened his first practice in his home at 36 Walnut Street in Sellersville in 1949.

His career interrupted by the Korean Conflict, he served as a flight surgeon at two air bases. After his service, he returned to general practice in Sellersville and Perkasie. This medical practice eventually became what is now Tri-Valley Primary Care.

Doc was active at Grand View Hospital and served as president of the medical staff in 1956 – 1957. In the early 1960s, Doc completed a residency in Psychiatry/Neurology and joined the Penn Foundation, one of the first community mental health facilities in the country. Later, he started working at the Grand View Hospital Emergency Room and became a full-time ER physician. He then worked as a Medical Director at Prudential.

After “retirement,” he and Nancy left for New Zealand, where Bill worked again as a psychiatrist. They loved their two years in New Zealand and made many friends. They also hosted many friends and all of the family who travelled to visit them in NZ. Bill continued to practice psychiatry at clinics in Arizona, Maine, Nevada, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania, working until age 86.

He also engaged in community affairs and was the inaugural president of the Sellersville Lions Club.

An avid jogger and tennis player, he even completed the Boston Marathon at age 52! After his knees began to give out, Bill switched to bicycling and rode daily. He also was an excellent bridge and chess player. He purchased a cottage at Camp Oaks in 1963, and the family spent many pleasant summers on the banks of the Unami Creek. He loved to grill and would make homemade ice cream as a treat every summer. He also made several trips to Canada to go fishing with friends and family.

After returning from NZ, Bill and Nancy began to “snowbird,” spending winters in AZ. They became active in the Church of the Painted Hills in Tucson. They also enjoyed swimming and participating in the many activities of the community there. They spent time volunteering for Habitat for Humanity, the Heifer Project, Meals on Wheels, and many other good causes. Bill was very generous in his support of a multitude of charities.

Bill and Nancy were long-time members of St. Paul’s UCC in Sellersville. In 2011 they sold their house in Perkasie and moved into independent living at the Rockhill Community. There, they became close to Pastor Tim Weaver, who was a huge source of support for Bill, especially after the death of Nancy.

Bill is survived by his five children: Kathleen (Stephen) Barndt, Daniel (Karen) Lyons, Timothy (Susan) Lyons, Clifford (Karen) Lyons, and Jane/Jenny (Kenneth) Collins. In addition, there are 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Bill and Nancy will be sorely missed. He was the best father one could ask for as well as a great husband and a lifelong example of giving back to the community.

A memorial service will be held at 3250 State Rd., Sellersville in the Rockhill Community Room on September 3, 2022, at 10 AM, with a visitation starting at 9:30 AM. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Grand View Hospital Foundation, 700 Lawn Avenue, Sellersville, PA 18960.