Dr. Ross D. Lyon

Dr. Ross D. Lyon, 86, of Schnecksville, died Thursday, December 28, 2023, at Lehigh Valley Hospital – Cedar Crest, Allentown. He was the loving husband of Carolyn J. (Bass) Lyon. Ross was born January 29, 1937, in Poughkeepsie, NY. He was the son of the late LeRoy F. and Grace (Stone) Lyon. Ross had a heart for preaching and teaching. He received his undergraduate degree from Columbia College. He continued his education to prepare for the pastorate by attending Covenant Seminary. He began his ministry as a young pastor in New Jersey. It was during his second pastorate in Ontario, Canada, that he obtained his degree to become a chiropractor. His desire was to always have a vocation that could support church planting if necessary. Loving to learn and to gain more knowledge, he continued his education by obtaining his Doctor of Divinity in the late 1980s. Ross returned to the United States to practice chiropractic care in Illinois. Still having a passion for preaching, he eventually came to the Lehigh Valley where he became the head pastor of Trinity Baptist Church, Allentown. During this time, he became quite involved in the beginning development of Lehigh Christian Academy. He served as Bible teacher, Dean of Students, and board member for many years in conjunction with his preaching duties at the church. In 1983, Ross felt led to start a church, Grace Community Church of Allentown. From the 1990s until his retirement, Ross started and worked at ABE Chiropractic Center, Whitehall. He continued to speak at local churches during this period. After retirement, he remained very active in ministry by leading many Bible studies and Sunday School classes at First Baptist Church, 19th Street until about 2019. In the beginning of 2023, Ross returned to Grace Community Church and became a member again shortly before his passing. Ross loved to travel and camp. He continued to camp even into his 80s. He was talented in drawing and would often doodle cartoons for his children and grandchildren. His main desire was that many people would understand the Bible, so he wrote several short guides to help the average reader. He wanted to always minister to people. He often went to nursing homes and to people’s homes to visit, encourage, and explain what he loved, the Bible. He loved people and longed to see them know, love, and serve Jesus Christ. He never wavered in that and continued faithfully to the very end. Surviving with his wife are his children, Vicki Schaffer (Ron) of Pennsburg, Cathy Crilley (David) of Schnecksville, Elizabeth Hauser (James) of Breinigsville, David Lyon (Lori) of Coopersburg, and Joanna West of Center Valley; grandchildren, Sandy Crilley, Janelle Kurtz, John Hauser, Kayla Black, Jacob Hauser, Matthew Schaffer, Maria Crilley, Alyssa Lyon, Jenna Crilley, Alexander Lyon, Dejah West, Aaron Lyon, Mark Hauser, Dorian West, and Amber Lyon; great grandchildren, Rowan Kurtz, Sutton Black, and Greyson Kurtz. Services will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, January 5th at Grace Community Church, 1290 Minesite Rd., Allentown. Friends and family are invited to call from 9:30-11:00 AM prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the church.