Ernest “Ernie” Martin Lyons of Seaford passed away suddenly at home on July 14, 2021. Born April 1, 1950, he was the first son of Martin Edgar Lyons and Mary Ann Hill Lyons.

Growing up, he helped his father at his job with the Diamond State Telephone Company, establishing a strong work ethic and earning money to buy several sporty cars during his high school years.

Ernie was a 1968 graduate of Seaford Senior High School, and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1969. He received the National Defense Service Medal, and Rifle Marksman Badge, among others. During this time he and his family lived in San Diego, Cal., before he was deployed overseas. He was a Vietnam Veteran. After serving four years he was honorably discharged as a sergeant, and they returned to Seaford to be near the family, friends, and city they loved and missed.

He graduated from the State Police Academy, and was employed with the Seaford Police Department in 1974. After 25 years, reaching the rank of sergeant, he retired in 1999. He also worked a second job with Petrea and Son BP Oil Company for many years. After retirement, he continued to work with the Peninsula Oil Company.

Ernie was a true friend, whose good deeds were done without fanfare, as he preferred. Under what sometimes seemed to be a surly exterior, was a man who had an empathetic heart. Those close to him knew this, and witnessed his actions, delivered with a wink. Often, his kind acts were unknown by others, only to be inadvertently discovered later. He enjoyed feeding squirrels and birds in the side yard of one of his favorite spots, The Dairy Bar, where he socialized with friends.

He served many roles in the community, and performed as an umpire for U.S. Specialty Sports Association of Delaware, and volunteered in numerous community functions. He was a member of The Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 9.

He attended Gethsemane and Blades United Methodist Churches over the years.

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Brenda Cutchin Lyons; a brother Edgar Lyons; and sister Paulette Lyons Seabreeze.

He is survived by four loving and devoted children, Lauren Lyons and husband Doug Lewis of Philadelphia, PA and Quogue, NY; Kimberly Lyons and companion Keith Krause of Seaford; Aaron Lyons of Seaford along with their mother Cindy Lyons Taylor of Seaford; and Tyler Lyons and wife Delilah of Virginia Beach, VA; two sisters, Sandy Lecates, and her husband Dave of Laurel; and Anna Lyons Thomas and her husband Lynn of Rhodesdale, MD; one brother Phillip Lyons and his wife Anne of Pensacola, FL; and grandchildren, Noah Krause of Seaford, Ryker Lyons of Seaford, and Kierstin and Camber Walker of Seaford. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at Cranston Funeral Home, 300 N. Shipley St. in Seaford, on Saturday, July 24, where family and friends are welcome to attend a visitation from 12 to 1, and funeral service beginning at 1.

A private military ceremony for the family will be held at the Veterans Center in Millsboro.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to The Seaford Police Station Fund, 300 Virginia Ave., Seaford, DE 19973.

All arrangements are being handled by Cranston Funeral Home, to leave a condolence visit www.cranstonfuneralhome.com.