John Lee Tyson

Mr. John Lee Tyson, 88, passed away peacefully at his home in Keller, VA surrounded by loved ones. Born June 25, 1934 in Kansas City, KS, he was the son of the late Edmund Clarence Tyson and Elizabeth Lobenstein Tyson.

In June of 1952, John graduated from Turner High School in Turner, KS and enlisted in the United States Navy that same month. He dedicated the next 21 years to serving his country, with most of his career spent working aboard diesel powered submarines, retiring in July of 1973 as Master Chief Petty Officer. Following retirement, the Tyson’s relocated to the Eastern Shore in June of 1979 and established Tyson’s Appliance Service in Keller, VA. As an active member of St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Onley, VA, he served as a Fourth Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus and past Grand Knight of the local council, as well as former usher and Eucharist minister. A life defined by honor, faith, and selfless dedication to others, John Lee Tyson was a true hero in every sense of the word.

John is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Bernadette Rita Tyson; children, Theresa E. Tyson of Virginia Beach, VA, Edward Tyson and his wife, Theresa L of Onancock, VA, Philip Tyson and his wife, Eileen, of Florida, and Steven Tyson and his wife, Brenda, of Craddockville, VA; sister, Margaret Tyndall of Stanfield, NC; sister-in-law, Joyce Tyson; grandchildren, Matthew (Mary), William(Abigail), Holly, Philip (Naisha), Raymond, Colbourne, Connor, and Nicholas Tyson and Kyle Fitchett; great-grandchildren, Jaela, Oliver, Joanna, Isaac, Levi, Owen, and Aiden Tyson; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sisters, Doris Allen and Juanita Hazlett and brother, Robert Tyson and his first wife, Virginia.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Mr. John Lee Tyson, of Keller, VA, will be held at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Onley, VA on Tuesday, December 13, 2022 at 11:00 a.m., with Father Michael Imperial officiating. Interment, with military honors, will follow in the Fairview Lawn Cemetery. There will be a visitation at the church one hour prior to the service. 

Contributions in John’s memory may be made to Knights of Columbus, c/o St. Peter’s, P.O. Box 860, Onley, VA 23418. 

Memory tributes may be shared with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements by the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home.

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