.

Robert Douglas Lyons, Jr., age 77, of Houston, Texas went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on May 16, 2021 with his family by his side.

Robert was born at Hermann Hospital in Houston, Texas on May 30, 1943. Shortly thereafter, his family moved to Arkansas where he enjoyed the outdoors, learned to swim, and attended Bradley Elementary School. After several years of living in Arkansas, his family returned to Houston, Texas and resided in the Army barracks on the University of Houston campus. Robert also attended Sutton Elementary School, Heartsfield Elementary School, Cullen Jr. High, Smiley Jr. High, and San Jacinto High School, Class of 1961.

Robert was a member of Boy Scouts of America. He enjoyed camping, fishing, and spending time outdoors with the only father he ever knew and whom he loved with all his heart, Carley Andrew Deaton. He loved sports, including golf and football, but his favorite sport of all was the game of baseball. Robert played multiple positions in baseball to include short-stop and third base, but was mostly identified as a right-handed, pitcher. He was a member of the Houston Southeast All-Stars team as was most famously known for throwing a perfect game, striking out 16 of 18 batters. Robert was later invited to tryouts for the Houston Colt .45s of Major League Baseball and though he was offered a small contract at that time, he decided to begin full-time employment where he could earn significantly higher wages.

Growing up as a child, Robert received his first chemistry set as a gift. He often spent long hours studying and researching formulas in hopes to someday become a Chemist. Robert began his first job at age 10 for Weingarten's supermarket where he sacked groceries for $0.80 per hour. In his teenage years, he worked at The King Center Twin Drive-In Theater flipping burgers and making hot dogs and fries. Adhering to the advice of his father, Robert learned the trades of fitting and welding which helped him to have a long career in the oil and gas industry. He worked for twenty-five years as a Boilermaker for Continental Emsco Drilling Products and National Oilwell, Inc. before moving on to Trinity Industries, Inc. and later retiring from Dril-Quip, Inc. Offshore Oil Field Services. At one point in his career, he work 12-hour shifts for more than forty days straight. Robert also served as a Union spokesperson and helped to negotiate wages and benefits for his colleagues. Though he had been retired for several years, during his last days, he expressed his desire to get a job and said, "A man needs to work. He has no place laying on his back." Robert was also known for often quoting his father, "It's not about how much you make, what's more important is how much you save."

Robert was an avid collector of baseball cards and other sports memorabilia. He shook hands with and received autographed baseballs from Hall of Famers, Micky Mantle, Joe DiMaggio, Hank Aaron, Willie Mayes, and Nolan Ryan. He was the Houston Astros biggest fan and supported them at Colt Stadium, Astrodome, and Minute Maid Park. Robert's goal for each season was to watch every televised game they played. One of the happiest moments in his life was when the Houston Astros won the 2017 World Series.

Robert's greatest enjoyment in life was spending time with his family, attending baseball games, dining out, and visiting local parks. He loved and admired his son, whom he referred to a his "Number 1 Son" and "Big Guy." He spoke very highly of his three grandchildren and their accomplishments in academia and life. Robert never ended a conversation with his son without saying, "Please send my love to Shani, Rob, Kaislyn, and Jordan."

Robert was preceded in death by his father Carley Andrew Deaton, mother Helon Opal Deaton, and wives Joan Johnston and Bonita Lyons. He is survived by his son, Robert Douglas Lyons III (wife Roshanda Lyons), grandchildren Robert Lyons, Kaislyn Lyons, and Jordan McLemore, great-granddaughter Ashleigh Lyons, sister Carolyn Reyes (husband Robert Reyes), niece Phyllis Phelps (husband Kevin Phelps) and nephew Andrew Perry (wife Elke Perry).

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 22, 2021 at 10:00 am at Klein Funeral Home located at 9719 Wortham Blvd., Houston, Texas 77065.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for any donations to be sent in Memory of Robert Douglas Lyons, Jr. to Texas Children's Hospital located at 18200 Katy Freeway, Katy, Texas 77094.