Obituary of Duane Lyman

Duane Marvin Lyman, son of John and Mary (Longbottom) Lyman, was born on September 7, 1925 near Melvin, Iowa, in Osceola Co. He spent his youth in the Melvin area, and received his education through the Melvin Consolidated School. In 1943, Duane enlisted in the United States Navy when he was 18 years old. Following six weeks of Gunner School, he was assigned to the APAS 52 Sumter. While aboard this ship, he went to several different islands in the Western and Southern Pacific, delivering Army and Marine troops for invasion at the beginning of WWII. Japan was the last stop. The Sumter was also the first ship to arrive in Japan following the war. Upon returning to Melvin after his honorable discharge, Duane was united in marriage to Joyce Newkirk at the Methodist Church in Melvin on June 25, 1946. To this union, two children were born. The family lived in the Melvin area until 1964 when they moved to Estherville, IA where Duane was employed at the Farm and Service Elevator. Duane then took the position of manager of the Golden Sun Feed Store at Fairmont, MN. Eventually, they moved back to Estherville, and in 1989, Duane retired from Golden Sun Feeds. Duane and Joyce found themselves back in home territory in 1995, when they moved to the town of Melvin. Working at the elevator and managing a farm store all those years didn't leave much time for relaxation, but when he could, Duane enjoyed going fishing, camping, traveling in their RV or simply playing a hand or two of cards with friends. In later years, he also tried his hand at woodcrafts. Duane was a member of the Melvin United Methodist Church, the Melvin American Legion - Guthrie Post #470, and the Estherville VFW. He passed from this life on July 7, 2015 at the age of 89. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 69 years, Joyce Lyman of Sibley, IA; his children: Nancy Beckmann of Brainerd, MN, and Larry (Evelyn) Lyman of Hull, IA; 6 grandchildren: Jerry (Jean) Beckmann, Jodi (Robert) Malecha, Emily (Tim) Gilbertson, Shawn (Jamie) Lyman, Tim (Chrystie) Lyman, and Jay (Leanne) Lyman; 23 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law: Pearl Lyman of Hartley, IA, and Leila Lyman of Sanborn, IA; many other relatives and friends. Preceding him in death were his parents; his sister, Ethel (Roy) Lyman in 2001; brothers: Harold in 1967, and Bernard in 1984. Celebration of Life Duane M. Lyman Born ~ September 7, 1925 Died ~ July 7, 2015 Age ~ 89 years 10 months Memorial Service Friday, July 10, 2015 ~ 2:00 p.m. United Methodist Church Melvin, Iowa Clergy ~ Rev. Marvin Lindley Organist ~ Pat Wachtel Musical Tribute Delores Popma ~ "The King Is Coming" Emily Gilbertson ~ "In The Garden" Congregational Singing Processional ~ "Amazing Grace" Recessional ~ "How Great Thou Art" Honorary Pallbearers Jerry Beckmann Jodi Malecha Emily Gilbertson Shawn Lyman Tim Lyman Jay Lyman Usher Daryle Daggett Military Rites Melvin American Legion Guthrie Post #470 Inurnment Harrison Township Cemetery May City, Iowa