Retired Colonel Douglas Wood Lyons Jr. passed away on April 23rd, 2026, at home with his family. Woody was a loving husband, father and grandfather, a generous community member and proud Air Force JAG.  He lived a life characterized by hard work, service and devotion to his family.

Woody was born in 1946 in Dayton Kentucky to proud parents Douglas & LaVerne Lyons.  Together with his younger brother Rick, the Lyons family lived all over the world. As an Air Force family, they were stationed everywhere – multiple bases in Texas, England, Goose Bay Labrador Canada, Madison Wisconsin and more.  This mobile upbringing meant that Woody never met a stranger and was confident to talk to literally anyone he ever met. This also manifested in Woody a zest for adventure, willingness to try new things and lifelong curiosity.

Education was incredibly important to Woody. He entered the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1964 and graduated in 1969. That same year, he enrolled in UW Law School, earning his law degree and passing the Wisconsin Bar in 1972. These early achievements set the stage for decades of meaningful work in the legal field. After college and law school, Woody joined the US Air Force, he was on Active Duty from 1972-1979.  After Active Duty, Woody proudly served in the Reserves as a JAG Officer until his retirement in 2002. Reserve duty allowed him many years of service and travel alongside raising a family and practicing law. Woody's legal career took him from San Antonio to Austin and ultimately Houston where he opened his own practice.  As a civil trial attorney, Woody was loyal and passionate and sincerely cared about his clients.

Though he worked very hard, Woody also loved to play. From his early days playing hockey and baseball, even mastering the trampoline on his college gymnastics team— Sports were woven into every chapter of Woody's life. Woody also spent decades cheering from his Houston Astros season‑ticket seats. He lived with the heart of an athlete and the spirit of a fan. Some of his proudest moments came on the sidelines, coaching his children's teams and passing on his love of the game.

Giving back to the community was a cornerstone of Woody's character. He was elected multiple terms on the Klein School board, served on Church Council, was involved with the Amegy Bank board, Northwest Assistance Ministries leadership and served as a Greater Houston Lions Club Officer.  Woody cherished volunteering and developed incredible relationships because of his philanthropic efforts.

In recent years, Woody faced the unfortunate diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and ultimately died of heart failure.  His family takes great comfort from the fact that he was able to enjoy things he loved like traveling, dancing, attending church and sharing meals with friends even in his final days. Woody lived his life to the fullest and will be sincerely missed by those who knew him.

Woody is survived by his wife Glenda Lyons, son Michael Lyons (Carley), daughter Laura Roach (Geoffrey), their mother Gayle Lyons and his brother Rick Lyons (Lisa). Woody loved his grandchildren Savanah, Molly, Leia, Geordy and Lana as well as his stepchildren and their families.

Woody gave generously to his community.  If you would like to donate in his memory, please consider the following organizations:

Lutherhill Camp and Retreat Center

Greater Houston Lions Club

Kinsmen Lutheran Church

Woody's family invites you to celebrate his big, bold, beautiful life with a visitation, funeral service and military honor burial. Details below:

Visitation:

May 14th 5-8pm   Klein Funeral Home (Champions Location)

Funeral Service:

May 15th 10am Kinsmen Lutheran Church with lunch reception following the service

Burial:

May 15th 1:15pm Houston National Cemetery