Horace Victor Lyons Jr.

Horace “Jay” Victor Lyons Jr was born in Pawnee Indian Hospital in Pawnee, Oklahoma, on February 24, 1955, to Horace Victor Lyons, Sr and Marcella Lucille Smith Lyons. He made his journey to the stars on Saturday, May 30, 2026, having reached the age of 71. He was a proud member of the Pawnee Nation and of the Skidi and Kitkahaki bands. He was also a descendant of the Iowa and Omaha tribes.

Jaybird, as he was largely known by, was an active member of the Pawnee Black Bears high school football and basketball teams. He remained an athlete through his attendance at University of Central Oklahoma and Haskell Indian Nations University, having played basketball for both schools. He loved to play and organize many recreational softball and basketball tournament teams. He also was an avid billiards player even traveling to Las Vegas and being televised playing. He enjoyed time with his partner, Becky Dickinson, their pups, and his family at The Other Side, while he navigated a terminal cancer diagnosis.

Jaybird experienced many bright times and dark times, but humor remained a chief characteristic of his personality, and one that is lovingly remembered by many.

Jay is survived by his partner, Becky Dickenson of Glencoe, OK, three children: Jasha Lyons Echo-Hawk and Walter “Bunky” Echo-Hawk, Jr of Pawnee, OK, Jordan Lyons of Stillwater, OK, and Manuella “Mandy” Lyons of Stillwater, OK; and grandchildren Rhiannon Elizabeth McCaughey, Ayo Pahaat Lyons Echo-Hawk, Puyvfekcv Tiwaku Lyons Echo-Hawk, Malena Raleigh Lyons, and grandpup, Mitch Karen Lyons. He is also survived by three sisters and two brothers: Vicki and Lucian Larney of Seminole, OK, Andrea “Tweetie” Bowen of Pawnee, OK, Denise and Alvin Moore, Sr. of Red Rock, OK, Keith Hiram Lyons and Florissa Kanuho of Pawnee, OK, and Dana Jason Lyons and John Grantham of Arlington, TX. He also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews who will miss his smile and contagious laughter.

Jay is preceded in death by his parents Horace and Marcella Lyons, his maternal grandmother, Manuella Goodchief EchoHawk, paternal grandparents, John and Mary Irving-Lyons, his brothers John Robert Lyons and Scott “Scoot” Lyons and his sister Vera “Nene” Lyons, nephew Justin Springer, and granddaughter Alexie Helene Echo-Hawk.

Jay was loved and will be missed greatly.