Mike Reed Lyman

Michael “Mike” Reed Lyman passed away peacefully on November 2, 2025, at the age of 81. Born on September 13, 1944, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Mike lived a life marked by quiet strength, unwavering dedication, and deep love for his family and community.

Mike’s early years took him from Roosevelt to Richfield, and finally to Provo at age 12. He attended Farrer Junior High and graduated from Provo High School in 1962. On February 8, 1963, he married his best friend, Sherry Paxton, beginning a lifelong partnership built on love, laughter, and shared dreams.

Mike was a true Renaissance man—resourceful, hardworking, and endlessly curious. He began working at just 14 at Sutton’s Café in Provo, and from there, his journey took him through a wide range of jobs: from Gary’s Sporting Goods and Meadow Gold Dairies, to selling insurance and Budweiser deliveries. It was his nearly 30-year career with the Salt Lake County Fire Department (now Unified Fire Authority) that became his proudest, professional role as a Firefighter, Engineer and Fire Captain, that reflected his deep sense of service and integrity.

Even off duty, Mike never stopped building—literally and figuratively. He framed houses with his brother-in-law, ran a beloved shoe repair shop called The Sole Shop, and later co-owned a craft store, Sherry’s Gifts with his wife. In his later years, he became a Master Journeyman Electrician, working alongside his son-in-law and eventually founding his own company, Excel Electric. He continued wiring homes until the age of 79, always finding purpose in helping others and providing for his family.

Mike was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. His faith was not loud, but lived—expressed in quiet acts of service, in ward outings he helped organize, and in the missions he supported for his children and grandchildren. He had a gift for seeing where help was needed and stepping in without hesitation. His life was a sermon of compassion, his hands always ready to lift, build, and bless.

He is survived by his loving partner, Sherry, and his five children; Susan (Alan), Bob (Amy), Jody (Maury), Angie, and Chad (Pam), brother Greg Lyman (Lynette) and sister Kelly Lyman, brother-in-laws; Gail Paxton (Carolyn), Paul Paxton (Denece), Duane Paxton (Ann), Tim Thurman, sister-in-laws; Linda Livingston (Bill), Glenys Perrero (Jon), 25 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his son; Jeffery Reed Lyman, infant brother; Roland Lyman, parents; Milton Reed and Daphine Perry Lyman, mother-In-law; Ella Rasmussen Paxton Sheffield Naylor and father-in-law; Ellsworth Paxton, son-in-law; Shawn Jones, sister-in-law; Julie Sheffield Thurman, grandson; Mason Reed Lyman, and granddaughter; Lucee Grace Jones.

Mike didn’t dwell on the past—he believed in showing up, doing the work, and moving forward. He faced life’s challenges with grit, grace, and a quiet sense of humor, often reminding those around him: “Don’t look back. Keep moving forward. Breathe through your stress.” He lived in the present, found purpose in providing for others, and never stopped building—whether it was homes, businesses, or a life full of meaning. His influence lives on in the work he did, and the strength he passed down to those who knew and loved him.

Funeral Services

Services for Mike Lyman will be held as follows:

● Date: Thursday, November 6, 2025

● Location: Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

○ Address: 2379 East 1100 South, Springville, Utah

Schedule of Events

● Viewing: 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM

● Funeral Service: 11:00 AM

● Graveside Service: Approximately 12:30 PM

○ Location: Springville Evergreen Cemetery

● Luncheon at the Chapel after graveside service

Note: All friends and family are invited to attend the viewing, funeral service, graveside dedication, and luncheon.

Livestream can viewed below or at the following link: https://youtube.com/live/sApy_p1L0yI?feature=share

Tribute Video can be viewed at the following link: https://youtu.be/Qf4W4TENzNw  

Condolences may be expressed to the family on this page.