Always Remembered, Never Forgotten

Dale Alan Lyons, beloved father, musician, and community member, was born on April 1, 1962, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was the cherished son of Ella Mae McCrary Taylor and David Michael Lyons. On Friday, June 13, 2025, Dale departed this life at Lutheran Hospital, surrounded by his daughter, Summer Russell, and bonus sister, Shilane Davis, until he was called to his eternal rest.

Dale was a proud graduate of Snider High School. Following his graduation, he embarked on a career in Environmental Services and Housekeeping. He held several managerial positions at Saint Joseph Hospital before concluding his professional journey at Majestic Care in New Haven, Indiana.

Dale embraced his faith early in life and was a devoted member of the Tree of Life Missionary Baptist Church for over 45 years. Under the guidance of Pastor Mozell Davis, Sr., he was ordained as Reverend Dale A. Lyons. His commitment to the church was evident through his active participation in the Men’s Fellowship Ministry, Choir Ministry and his involvement with the Logos Baptist District Association, Inc.; wherever Pastor Davis was preaching you were sure going to find him on the organ.

Dale’s musical talents were renowned. He was an exceptional musician, known for his skills on the organ, keyboards, guitar, and as a lead singer. His music career included performing with Rev. Mozell Davis & The Indiana Soul Searchers, The Daytonians, and the Mighty Golden Tones and The Jordanaires. Dale also debut the New Touch of Class Christian Club under the founder of Ms. Ebony Miles where his mother Ella Mae was a member along with Jossie Roger’s, Lola Thomas, Betty Parrish. As the years progressed other members joined, and we helped and assisted the Jordanaires in many gospel endeavors.

Dale loved him some traveling anytime Mom and Dad Davis would hit the road; and he loved sharing his gift of music and touching countless lives along the way. Dale's passion for music was his peace. One thing for sho’ and 2 thangs for certain, whenever Dale was enjoying any Quartet Singings and/or Preaching; you could always find him sharing his live feed on Facebook!

Outside of music and his church commitments, Dale had a passion for grilling. He was often found at church events, ensuring the meat was cooked to perfection. Whether at a fellowship or a fundraiser, Dale was known for his dedication and attention to detail.

He will always be remembered as a man of faith, a man of forgiveness, a gifted musician, and a devoted family member and friend. His legacy of love and music will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Dale’s legacy lives on through his loving family. He is survived by his mother, Ella Mae Taylor; his three children, Summer Russell, Jamaris Johnson, and Jamila Walker; sixteen grandchildren, one great-granddaughter; his sisters, Patricia Reeves, De’Kai Dockins, and Terri Calimee; and his brothers, David M. Lyons and Carl Lyons. He is also remembered fondly by his spiritual mother, Sis. Willa “Ebony” Miles, Lima, OH; special parents, Pastor Mozell Sr. & First Lady Olivia Davis; his bonus sister, Shilane Davis; his Ride or Die, Sis. Rena Cole Williams; his close cousin, Mac “Amp” McCrary; bonus family, Vivian “BB,” Sam, Mona, Terrall Davis, Marvin Stewart; and a host of extended family, co-workers, and friends.

Dale was preceded in death by his father, David Michael Lyons; his sister, Naomi Lyons; and his longtime friend, Parnell Creech and Sis. Callie Baylor