Fr. Joseph Mays LYONS, OMI, 102, died on Dec. 31, 2004 at Oblate Madonna Residence in San Antonio, Texas, two days after celebrating his 102nd birthday.

He was born on Dec. 29, 1902 to Curtis and Susie (Mays) Lyons in Monterey, California. His father died at an early age from complications following an appendectomy. His mother raised him and his siblings.

Having attended St. Mary's Parochial School in San Antonio, he entered St. Anthony's College in 1918, and did his novitiate in Mission, Texas, in 1923. Making his first religious profession as an Oblate in 1924, he completed his philosophy studies at Sacred Heart Scholasticate in Castroville, Texas, and his theological studies at the newly opened De Mazenod Scholasticate in San Antonio. He was ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Arthur Drossaerts on June 7, 1929.

Fr. Lyons' priestly service was centered on parish ministry in Texas, in the Diocese of Brownsville and the Archdiocese of San Antonio. His longest assignment was in Uvalde, west of San Antonio. John Nance Garner, vice-president of the United States was his contemporary during those years. He retired from full-time ministry in 1973, residing at St. Benedict's Church in San Benito. He continued to help out regularly with Mass at different Valley parishes.

At his golden jubilee of priesthood in 1979, he declared, “I would never hang up my shoes, if I thought retirement meant I wouldn't be involved with the Church and people. The priesthood was only loaned to me. I am grateful that with God's grace I have returned it intact to the Master.” He moved to Oblate Madonna Residence in 1991.