Paul Thomas Lyons

Paul Thomas Lyons

August 17, 1952 - July 20, 2025

All of us will die, but not all of us live.

If you knew anything about “Dr. Tom” Lyons, you know that he lived every moment of his 72 years, 11 months, and 4 days to the fullest. If you knew Tom, you also know he was not afraid of death and went into the next life exactly the way he wanted to: outside in nature, on a beautiful summer day, riding a bicycle, and surrounded by people he loved.

Paul Thomas Lyons was born in Seattle, WA, but was better known as a Santa Barbara, CA beach boy. After graduating from medical school at the Universidad del Noreste in Tampico, Mexico in 1982, he became a Marylander for the rest of his days. Here he found his wife, children, family, friends, colleagues, neighbors, and beloved patients.

If Tom was not at the Bowie Health Center saving lives (or serving as the Medical Director until January 1, 2020) you could find him: backpacking, camping, running, walking, bicycling, at a brewery drinking a hazy IPA, climbing mountains, snowboarding, snowshoeing, riding cross-country, mentoring others in medicine, hang-gliding, skydiving, bungee jumping, snorkeling, working in his gardens, swimming in pools, playing volleyball, tending to his chickens or bees, hot air ballooning, and traveling the world.

As many of you also know, Tom was also frequently breaking ribs, crashing motorcycles, getting himself into crazy situations, and his favorite activity ever: spending time with the brightest lights of his most incredible life - Collin and Courtney.

After finally retiring from the University of Maryland Medical System, Tom officially let his medical privileges expire in 2024. Tom continued to live his life, pedal to the metal, full throttle.

Tom is survived by his children Courtney Lyons (Matt Dunphy) and Collin Lyons (Shelby Gray) and his two beloved granddogs, Seamus and Tyson. He is predeceased by his hero, his brother Daniel Lyons, and parents Thomas and Catharine “Kit” (Moloney) Lyons.

In lieu of services, which Tom adamantly did not want, family will be celebrating privately at a later time.

In lieu of gifts, please consider honoring him by donating blood, money, or time to the American Red Cross, one of his favorite organizations.