Ancel P. Lyons

Ancel P. Lyons, 84, of Medina, NY passed away unexpectedly, yet peacefully, at his home on Monday, July 27, 2026.

He was born on May 17, 1942 in Medway, Maine, a son of the late Raymond and Evelyn (Spinney) Lyons. In the early 1960’s he moved to Medina. On September 23, 1961, he married the love of his life, the late Patricia (McCauley) Lyons. Early on, he was employed by the Medina Central School District, Niagara Mohawk and Abex. While holding these jobs, however, there was still a deep passion within him to do two things: to become an entrepreneur and to do auto body repair. Towards that goal, he began doing body work in his home garage and eventually opened a one-man shop on Orient Street. In October of 1978, he and his wife Pat established Lyons Collision in Medina on the corner of East Center Street and Orient Street. His children carry on his legacy at Lyons Collision. Ancel will be remembered as a kind, hardworking man, who loved his family deeply and his community just as much.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his beloved wife, Patricia Lyons in 2025; brother, Carroll Lyons; sister in-law, Pricilla Lyons; and brothers in-law, Chip Hasey, David Markie and Ronald McCauley; sister in-law, Debra Russo; and two nieces, Kelly Duffield and Carrie Handel.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Kimberly (Ray) Patterson; son, Jeffery (Jennifer) Lyons; grandchildren, Jennifer (Matt) Schlegel, Stevie (Ryan) Hodgins, Austin Lyons (Casey Payne), Bailey Lyons and Brennen (Abby) Harris; great-grandchildren, Elexa (Alex) Murphy, Braelin Taylor (Nathan Hydock) and Addison Taylor, Easton and Hudson Hodgins, Eloise Lyons, Nate Payne and Jade Harris; great-great-grandson, Colson and Clay Murphy; siblings, Rebecca Markie, Virgil (Sylvia) Lyons, Sharon (Robert) Hutchins, Sylvia Hasey and Everett (Kim) Lyons; sister in-law, Gloria (Frederick) Fierch; brother in-law, Donald (Diane) McCauley and Michael (Kathy) McCauley; and several nieces and nephews.

In keeping with Ancel’s wishes, there will be no prior calling. Inurnment in Boxwood Cemetery will be privately held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are in the care of Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Ancel’s memory may be made to the International Towing Museum- Survivor Fund at www.towingmuseum.com/survivor-fund. This fund was established to provide immediate financial support to families of towing operators who lose their lives in the line of service.