TOMMY LYDA

ADA-Services for Tommy Ben Lyda, 61, Ada, are 12:00 Noon Friday, January 23, 2009, at the Criswell Chapel, Rev. Larry Hawkins officiating. Burial follows at Pontotoc Cemetery in Pontotoc. The Chickasaw Honor Guard will conduct military honors at the cemetery. Wake service will be held Thursday evening at 6:00 P.M. at the Criswell Chapel.

Mr. Lyda died on Tuesday, January 20, 2009, in Ada. He was born November 6, 1947, in Ada to Clarence E. "Bud" Lyda and Vera Mae "Sally" Hawkins Lyda. He lived in this area all his life and attended Ada, Latta and Byng schools. He received his G. E. D. while serving in the U. S. Army, where he attained the rank of Corporal. He served in Vietnam Era from November 22, 1966 – October 10, 1969, in the 1st Cavalry LRRP as Sniper/Radio Operator. He attended truck driving school in Tulsa and worked as a truck driver, Oklahoma Explosive Transport, and as a private security officer. He was a member of Blue Baptist Church, the Chickasaw Honor Guard for several years, lifetime member of the Disable American Veterans, and a member of the American Legion.

He married Mariann Christene Fulsom on April 30, 1995, in Connerville.

Survivors include his wife, Mariann lyda, of the home; one daughter, Shanna RaLynn Conlee, Ada; a son, Ben Lyda, Ada; a step-son, James Thomas Fulsom and his wife Melissa, Ada; a step-daughter, Stacey Lyda, Ada; 11 grandchildren; two brothers, Edward Lyda and wife Dottie, Ada; and Lester Lyda, Tuttle; and numerous cousins and other family members.

Bearers are David Lee Poe, Carney Gene Anglin, Daniel Thomas, Michael Lyda, Mark Lyda and Greg Harbin. Honorary bearers are members of the Chickasaw Honor Guard.

Criswell Funeral Home