Obituary of Leon E. Lyvers

Leon Everett Lyvers, 86 of Iowa City died Saturday, July 22, 2017, at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City. Visitation will be from 4 - 7 PM on Wednesday, July 26th at Gay and Ciha Funeral Service, 2720 Muscatine Ave., and a service to remember Leon will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, July 27th, 2017 at First Presbyterian Church, 2701 Rochester, Ave., Iowa City, Iowa.

Leon Lyvers was born August 15, 1930, in Fremont County, Iowa the son of Everett W. and Nina (Carman) Lyvers. He graduated from high school in Farragut, Iowa.

His family includes his wife, Shirley (Brahier); children, Brenda (Danny) Henderson, Alan Leon (Melba) Lyvers of Iowa City, Dara (Tom) Ketterer of Oakmont, PA and Thomas Merrick, Sr. (Brenda) of Winfield, WV, nine grandchildren, four great-grand-children and one great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his brother, John Henry "Jack" Lyvers, sisters, Barbara (Ritchey,) Wanda Kathleen (Jones,) and sons, Samy and Leon Paul.

Mr. Lyvers served in the United States Navy for eight years including during the Korean War and studied arborculture in Boston prior to establishing Leon Lyvers Tree Surgery in the 1950's which he owned and operated for more than 60 years.

Mr. Lyvers leaves behind a legacy of blessing people's lives. Gratitude for his own salvation, sanctification and sobriety motivated him to help others with this journey. Leon was certain that had it not been for divine intervention and the support of the local recovery community that he would have died at a young age.

In the 60 years of "working his program," Mr. Lyvers sponsored a great number of individuals and helped many more. Starting in the 1970s, Leon and a dear friend started going to the penitentiary in Fort Madison to share the hope that the good Lord offers. He was happy to serve with Gideons International, lead Bible studies with Prison Fellowship ministries and facilitate group meetings with Celebrate Recovery in the Oakdale Prison facility even in the final month of his battle with lung cancer.

Mr. Lyvers was a lover of God's handiwork in nature, a true American patriot, a Life Member of the NRA, a member at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church and an ordained elder.

Memorial contributions to one of the above organizations or ministries would be appreciated. Online condolences may be sent for his family through the web at www.gayandciha.c