Thomas "Gene" E. Lydon

Thomas Eugene (Gene) Lydon, of Sioux City, peacefully died at home Sunday, October 22, 2017 surrounded by family following a long illness. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, November 3, 2017, at St. Michael Catholic Church (2223 Indian Hills Dr.) in Sioux City with Father David Hemann, Celebrant.  Burial will be at a later date at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Early, IA.  Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday with a Vigil Service at 7 p.m. at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel (3220 Stone Park Blvd.) in Sioux City.  

Gene was born in Nampa, ID on February 18, 1942 to Leo F. and Theresa A. (Polak) Lydon. In 1948 his parents and two siblings moved to Schaller, IA to farm on fertile land. These early years shaped much of Gene’s outlook, crafting him into an independent, creative, and resilient self-starter. During his youth he developed a passion for reading and remained an avid reader throughout his life.

Gene received his Master’s in Pharmacy at Creighton University where he met the love of his life, Camille M. LaPierre. They were joined in holy matrimony in 1969. Gene proudly served in the U.S. Army for two years during the Vietnam War and was released from active duty as a Captain. Staying in the reserves and returning to Sioux City, he and Camille raised three children and actively participated in the community that he was honored to call home for 43 years.

Gene took pleasure in his occupation as a registered pharmacist at Mercy Hospital for 37 years. Memorable events during this time included teaching at the St. Joseph School of Nursing for three years and joining the heroic citywide effort during the Flight 232 recovery. A colleague recounted how his fast thinking and team spirit helped to save countless lives. Combining his professional skills with an interest in exploring the world, Gene participated in mission trips to Honduras and Tanzania where he was warmly welcomed.

Over the years he actively led within the Boy Scouts of America and helped to shape the character of many young men. Gene loved woodworking and found gratification in making heirloom toys and furniture. Preferring to use local black walnut, he could transform a tree into fine art through trial, patience, and cleverness. An avid steward of the land, Gene frequently embodied the campsite rule always leaving a place better than how it was found. In demonstration of this land ethic, he planted a prairie filter strip on the family farm for habitat restoration and runoff control.

Gene is survived by his wife of 48 years; his children David Lydon, Mark (Jeanne) Lydon, and Marie (Brent) Ferguson; grandchildren Elliot, Abby, Declan, and Aiden; brother Jim Lydon; and sister Dorothy Reynolds; as well as many loving relatives and friends.

Camille would like to thank the loving professionals at Care Initiatives Hospice and Home Instead who helped to fulfill Gene’s final wishes. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Quality of Life Fund organized by Care Initiatives Hospice.