Maxine Lyon

Maxine Lyon, 103, of Atlantic, Iowa, died Thursday, April 8, 2021.

The daughter of William V. and Hazel E. (Scott) Cupp, Maxine Elizabeth was born November 23, 1917, in Fairfield, Iowa. Graduating from Fairfield High School in 1935, she then earned her B.A. in Music and Education at Parsons College in Fairfield. She took Graduate level courses at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. Her teaching career included the Afton Public Schools (3 years), Nevada Public Schools (2 years), Burlington Senior High School and Jr. College (2 years). Her marriage to Walter Morrison Lyon took place August 18, 1946, in Fairfield.

Maxine shared her glorious musical gifts with Atlantic for over 60 years as the organist, choir director, and bell choir director for the First United Presbyterian Church. She taught piano and organ to hundreds of students, played for weddings and funerals, and accompanied many talented local musicians. She belonged to the National Music Teacher Association and National Federated Music Club. Beyond music, she was a member of Eastern Star and was Past Worthy Matron of Golden Rule Chapter #194, Past President of Browning Literary Club, member of the Child Psychology Club, and P.E.O. Chapter AF. Maxine played a wicked game of Bridge and loved to visit with family, friends and neighbors.

Surviving are her daughters, Patricia L. Petersen and her husband, Gilbert of Nevada, Iowa and Judith A. Kreckman and her husband, James of Springfield, Ohio; grandchildren, Stacey (Russ) Vannorsdel, Leslie (Ben) Stone, Scott (Tory) Kreckman and Brent (Randi) Kreckman; and great-grandchildren, Evelynn Vannorsdel and Cailyn June Kreckman.

She is preceded in death by her parents and her husband of 51 years.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, April 11, 2021, at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic. Burial will be in the Atlantic Cemetery. Visitation with the family present will be held prior to the service on Sunday, starting at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home. The service will be recorded and available at www.rolandfuneralservice.com following the service. The family requests that face coverings be worn.

Memorials may be directed to the First United Presbyterian Church for the refurbishment of the organ.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Maxine's family and her arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com
_________________________

THE CHURCH ORGANIST’S DILEMMA
By Erna Anderson

“Make a joyful noise to the Lord”
Is what the psalmist said.
To some that means a quiet tune,
To others, “rock” instead.

Should I play upon the organ,
Or would a drum express
The way I feel within my heart,
And tell it more or less?

Perhaps a harp like angels play
Would be much more sedate.
To make such a big decision
Puts me in a sad state!

A trumpet’s sound is so regal;
It makes me want to dance;
But in my church, I’m very sure
It wouldn’t stand chance!

I do not wish to give offense,
So what am I to do?
The music which I like to play
Perhaps may not please you.

So let God judge what’s good or bad
As each one plays his part.
For we hear only the music—
God listens to each heart.
_________________________

In Loving Memory Of
Maxine Lyon

BORN
November 23, 1917 - Fairfield, Iowa

DIED
April 8, 2021 - Atlantic, Iowa
.
At the age of 103 years, 4 Months & 16 days

FUNERAL SERVICE
2:00 p.m., Sunday, April 11, 2021
Roland Funeral Home - Atlantic, Iowa

OFFICIANT
Reverend Rachelle McCalla
First United Presbyterian Church - Atlantic, Iowa

PIANIST
Jan Highfill

MUSICAL SELECTIONS
“Here I Am Lord” “Hymn of Promise”
By the Congregation

CASKET BEARERS
Gilbert Petersen
Jim Kreckman
Scott Kreckman
Brent Kreckman
Russ Vannorsdel
Ben Stone

INTERMENT
Atlantic Cemetery - Atlantic, Iowa

Memorials may be given to the
First United Presbyterian Church
for the refurbishment of the organ.