Donald A. Lyons, 99, of Montpelier died May 12, 2025. He was born January 24, 1926, son of Mary Agnes (Normandin) and Andrew Lyons.

A graduate of St. Michael's High School in 1943, he attended the University of Maryland (overseas) and leadership programs at Syracuse University and Notre Dame.

On September 27, 1958, he married Betty Stonesifer Weston and were married for 54 years.

Lyons was appointed Vermont's Publicity Director in 1962 and later Deputy Commissioner for the Vermont Development Department. He was Director of Travel and recognized for the longest term of service of U.S. travel directors. He was a leader in regional and national tourism programs and in 1985 was named New England Travel Director of the Year.

His promotional leadership brought awards and recognition to the State of Vermont. He directed the formation of the nation's first interstate welcome center at Guilford. He also created the long time and successful state promotional slogan "I LOVERMONT."

Earlier Lyons was a reporter and editor for the Montpelier Evening Argus and became the Montpelier bureau chief for the Times Argus. He was affiliated with the Associated Press and United Press International networks.

Following retirement, he was co-founder of the Montpelier Tourist Information Council, volunteer with Kellogg Hubbard Library, Christ Church Food Kitchen, and a freelance photographer and writer focusing on Vermont.

He was Montpelier School Commissioner for four years.

Lyons served in the U.S. Navy in 1945 and the U.S. Army in Munich, Germany 1954-56 as an information officer writing and providing information and photography for military and civilian media.

During their senior years, Betty and he traveled much of the nation and in all East and West coast states. They toured 35 states to view and share the country's natural landmarks and national parks' monuments. They returned several times to their favorites, Arizona and Utah.

Lyons was a lifetime member of the Montpelier Elks, honorary lifetime member of the 251 Club, local cribbage league, and active in early sports groups. He sang with the Montpelier Barbershopper, an octet that performed in Vermont and New Hampshire.

He was predeceased by wife Betty in 2012 and son Tod in 2020. Also, brothers Robert, Maurice, Heaton, Andrew, Wilfred, and Richard and sisters Margaret, Dorothy, Hazel Pecue, and Louise Hanson.

He is survived by sons Jeffrey, Suncook, N.H., Stephen, wife Bethany, Greene, ME, Tod's wife Mindy, Murphy TX, grandchildren Brittani Sullivan and husband Ryan Wasilla, AK, Jared, Murphy TX, Noah, Nashua, NH., Ashton, Bangor, ME, great-grandchildren Calvin, Joel, Maryah, Wasilla, AK. Many nieces and nephews.

Burial will be in the Vermont Veterans Cemetery, Randolph Center, when arrangements are complete.

Those wishing to express online condolences may do so at www.guareandsons.com.