Christopher “Kip” Brian Lyons Obituary: LaGrange, Illinois Family Mourns Beloved Husband and Father at 71

Christopher “Kip” Brian Lyons Obituary-The LaGrange, Illinois, community is mourning the passing of Christopher “Kip” Brian Lyons, affectionately known as Chris, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend whose life was shaped by family, generosity and service to others.

Chris passed away peacefully on Friday, August 14, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was 71 years old.

Throughout his life, Chris built meaningful relationships at home, in his professional career and through his service to others. Yet among everything he accomplished, those closest to him knew that his greatest source of pride was the family he built with his wife, Susan.

Remembering Christopher “Kip” Lyons

Chris was born on January 5, 1955, in North Riverside, Illinois, to Daniel and Eileen Lyons.

He attended Mater Christi and later Fenwick High School before continuing his education at Northern Illinois University.

Chris graduated from NIU in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management.

His years at Northern Illinois University also brought one of the most important relationships of his life when he met Susan Cullinan, the woman who would eventually become his wife.

The couple married in 1979, beginning a marriage and family life that would span more than four decades.

A Life Built With Susan in LaGrange

Chris and Susan settled in LaGrange, where they raised their five children and created a home filled with the experiences that would eventually become some of their family’s most treasured memories.

Their children, Chris, Jamie, Kara, Kelsey and Shannon, became the center of their lives.

As the family grew, Chris embraced another role he deeply cherished: grandfather.

For Chris, success was not measured only through professional accomplishments. It could also be found around the dinner table, during family gatherings and in the everyday moments spent with his children and grandchildren.

The family’s lakehouse in Long Beach, Indiana, became another special place where many memories were created over the years.

And through many of those everyday moments, Chris could often be found with his dog, Culli, his devoted companion who was rarely far from his side.

Christopher Lyons’ 35-Year Career With McDonald’s

Professionally, Chris built a long and successful career that included more than 35 years with McDonald’s Corporation.

His decades with the company became an important part of his working life, but his contributions extended beyond his professional responsibilities.

Chris also gave his time and experience through service on multiple boards and involvement with different organizations.

People who knew him professionally remembered someone who could bring people together and make others feel that their opinions and experiences mattered.

That ability to listen and connect with people became one of the qualities that followed Chris through different parts of his life.

A 26-Year Stage 4 Throat Cancer Survivor

One of the defining experiences of Chris’ life was his battle with Stage 4 throat cancer.

Chris survived the disease and went on to become a 26-year cancer survivor.

Rather than allowing that difficult experience to remain only a personal chapter of his life, he used what he had endured to help other people facing serious illness.

Chris volunteered at Hinsdale Hospital Cancer Center, where he became a dedicated patient advocate.

Having personally experienced the uncertainty and challenges that can accompany a cancer diagnosis, he was able to offer patients something especially meaningful: understanding from someone who had walked a similar road.

His work with cancer patients reflected the compassion and generosity that his family and friends saw throughout his life.

Remembered for His Kindness and Generosity

Those who knew Chris remember him as someone with an ability to make people feel comfortable, valued and heard.

He brought a calm and dependable presence into the lives of those around him.

Whether he was supporting his family, helping someone through a difficult experience or simply listening to a friend, Chris understood that sometimes being present could make an enormous difference.

His generosity was expressed through his professional work, community involvement, volunteer service and personal relationships.

Those qualities became part of the reason he developed so many lasting connections throughout his 71 years.

Christopher Lyons’ Children and Grandchildren

Chris is survived by his wife, Susan, and their five children:

Chris (Sarah) Lyons, Jamie (Dustin) Dubas, Kara (Kevin) Cliggett, Kelsey (Jimmy) Westhoff and Shannon (Justin) Supple.

His grandchildren include Will, Cameron and Noelle Lyons; Max, Jane and Riley Dubas; Ryan and Caroline Cliggett; and James Westhoff.

Becoming a grandfather added another special chapter to Chris’ family life.

The time spent watching his children build families of their own gave him opportunities to create new traditions and memories with another generation.

Those grandchildren will now grow up carrying stories and memories of the grandfather who loved them.

Family Members Remember Chris

Chris is also survived by his siblings Patricia (Rich) Wyatt, Daniel (Mary Jean) Lyons, Gigi (Randy) Westerman and Erin Fuller, along with his extended family and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel and Eileen Lyons, and his sister, Nancy Lyons.

For his siblings and extended family, Chris’ passing marks the loss of someone who had been part of decades of shared family history.

Birthdays, holidays, family celebrations and ordinary gatherings created memories that will remain meaningful long after his passing.

Christopher “Kip” Lyons Cause of Death

Christopher “Kip” Brian Lyons passed away peacefully on August 14, 2026, surrounded by his family.

A specific medical cause of death was not provided in the obituary information available.

Although Chris was a 26-year survivor of Stage 4 throat cancer, his previous cancer diagnosis should not be assumed to have caused his death.

No specific illness or medical condition should be attributed to his passing unless confirmed by his family or another appropriate source.

His remarkable cancer survival remains an important part of his life story, particularly because he transformed that experience into an opportunity to support other patients.

Christopher Lyons Funeral Service

Family members and friends will gather to honor Chris on Friday, August 21, 2026, at:

St. Francis Xavier Church
124 N. Spring Ave.
LaGrange, Illinois

Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m.

Interment will be private.

The gathering will provide those who loved Chris with an opportunity to come together, share memories and celebrate a life that touched many people.

Memorial Donations

In lieu of flowers, Chris’ family has suggested that memorial contributions be made in his name to organizations meaningful to him and his loved ones.

These include the LaGrange Area Department of Special Education (LADSE), St. Francis Xavier School and The Rama Rec Board.

The family’s choice of memorial organizations provides another way for Chris’ legacy of giving and community involvement to continue after his passing.

A Legacy Built Around People

Chris accomplished much during his lifetime.

He graduated from Northern Illinois University, spent more than 35 years building his professional career, survived Stage 4 cancer and later used that experience to support other patients.

But his greatest legacy cannot be summarized through a résumé.

It is found in Susan, the woman with whom he shared more than four decades of marriage. It is found in their five children and the grandchildren who brought him so much happiness.

It is also found in the friends, colleagues, patients and community members who remember how Chris treated them.

Those relationships are what remain when professional titles and accomplishments become memories.

Christopher “Kip” Brian Lyons will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, cancer survivor, patient advocate, generous friend and compassionate man who made people feel seen, heard and cared for.

May Chris Lyons rest in peace. May Susan, his children, grandchildren, siblings, extended family and friends find comfort in the lifetime of memories they were fortunate enough to share with him.

Disclaimer

This obituary is based on the information available at the time of publication. Christopher “Kip” Brian Lyons was reported to have passed away peacefully on August 14, 2026, at the age of 71, surrounded by his family.

A specific cause of death was not provided in the obituary information available. Although Chris was a longtime survivor of Stage 4 throat cancer, his previous cancer diagnosis should not be interpreted as his cause of death without confirmation from his family or another appropriate source.

Funeral, family and biographical information should be confirmed through the family’s official obituary or funeral announcement if additional verification is required.