Dr. Joseph Frank Lyons passed away peacefully into God's arms on Feb. 5, 2005. He went to sleep in his home in Concord, Calif. His loving wife, Betty I. Lyons, was at his side as were close family members who brought support and love to him.

Known as "Little Joe" he was born in Missouri, but raised in Osawatomie. For many, at that time, growing up meant enduring harsh living conditions. As a small boy, he was often solely responsible for his own food and shelter. He spent much time hunting and fishing near the Marais des Cygnes River. He met many of his friends at the First Street Bridge, which he called, "His Bridge." When the river flooded, he rowed across it to get the Kansas City Star and then returned to Osawatomie to sell the papers.

"Little Joe" met his beautiful wife, Betty, during high school and married at a young age. He graduated from Osawatomie High School in 1942. Though he was adopted, he found much love and happiness in Betty's large family. Joining the Navy at 19 meant he would have plenty of food three times a day. Others complained about the fare; he flourished. After serving in World War II in the Pacific Theater, the Navy gave him the financial means to attend Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kan. His incredible intelligence and pure determination led to his degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.

He and Betty opened their first large animal hospital in Oskaloosa, Iowa, in 1953. Because of their hard work, the practice grew. They also found they shared a love of flying. Both earned their pilots' licenses. In 1959 the family moved to California and opened a small animal hospital in Santa Barbara.

In the early 1970s Dr. Lyons went to work for the USDA as a Veterinary Medical Officer. Because of his knowledge of the beef industry, he helped create and execute many programs making our food safer. He was awarded Excellence Awards in 1989 and in 1992. Then acknowledged with a Celebration of Excellence Award presented by the USDA in Washington, D.C., on Sep. 23, 1993. He then worked for the state of California until his retirement in 1996.

Joe and Betty enjoyed traveling in their motor home. They would be gone from their home in Concord, Calif., for months at a time. Playing cards, laughing, they enjoyed the company of their friends and strangers. He never hesitated to give advice to pet owners they met during their travels. Joe and Betty celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in July 2004.

Dr. Lyons is survived by his loving wife, Betty Lyons of Concord, Calif.; his daughter, Jody and husband David Hopkins of Somis, Calif.; grandson Jim DeLisle, his wife Dawn and their daughter Tayler of Crockett, Calif.; grandson Jay DeLisle of Concord, Calif.; his sister Betty Jean Hickman of Bartlesville, Okla., Lorene Leeker of Osawatomie, Brother-in-law Don Scott of Osawatomie; four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and the many members of his extended family. He was preceded in death by daughter Gwinn DeLisle of Ventura, Calif. He still has many friends in Osawatomie.

Donations may be in his name to Sutter VNA & Hospice, 1900 Bates, Ave., #1, Concord, CA 904520.

He will always be remembered for his intelligence, wit and broad shoulders. A celebration of his life will be at a future time.