Ernie B. Lyons, 71, of New Haven, entered eternal rest on April 20, 2018. He was the husband of Deborah Bish Lyons.

Ernie was born in Bladenboro, NC on October 15, 1946, a son of the late David Lyons, Jr. and Annie Mae Lyons.

Prior to retiring, he was employed at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft as a Machinist. He served his country honorably and was a U.S. Army Disabled veteran. He was a longtime member of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church.

In addition to his wife, he leaves to cherish loving memories, sons, R. Braxton and Kevin Lyons; a daughter, Shawn Lyons; brothers, Tilden and Henry Derrick Lyons; sisters, Denise Lyons Jackson and Barbara Lawhorn; six grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by brothers, Ledell, Rodney and Cleo Lyons.

A celebration of Mr. Lyons' life and legacy will be held Friday, April 27, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 26 Edwards St., Hamden. Viewing and visitation will be held at the church from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery.