VCL’s 180 (an overdue apology and update)

Vernon C. Lyons —August 15, 2024

I have to eat my words. In my last post about my dad, I said, “…I’m pretty sure he will not quit looking for ways to criticize, provoke and basically maintain his role as Thompson’s chief antagonist.” I was wrong. Since that article, I have NOTHING of that nature to report. In fact, my dad made a complete 180 from monitoring, criticizing and antagonizing Tommy Thompson, to focusing on teaching and preaching. So, a lesson learned. I’m sorry for diverging from presenting the facts to indulging my critical spirit to declare my dad an antagonism addict. I guess, I’m glad I was wrong.

But, what exactly has Vernon Lyons been up to since he was banned from the premises of Ashburn Baptist Church a year after he was excluded from its membership? First a note that his 180 was facilitated by the welcome he received from Calvary Baptist of Tinley Park. They gave him the liberty to continue teaching the various courses of the Bible Institute that he founded in 1949. This is the same Bible Institute which was used as a launching pad for Ashburn Baptist in 1950. Interestingly, this allowed the Bible Institute to bookend his 70-plus-year ministerial career. He was able to teach these weekly evening classes till the end of last year, when a severe chest infection and cough (possible flu) laid him up for weeks. In addition to the Bible Institute, he was teaching a Sunday morning Bible class and filling the pulpit when the pastor was ill or out of town.

While two classes every week would be a stretch for most 94 year-olds, it wasn’t enough for my dad. I’m not sure who initiated it. But, with the help of Bob Gurskis and Stephen Sage, he started video recording a full-length sermon at his home every week to be uploaded to YouTube and posted on the Pastor Vernon C. Lyons Facebook page that was being maintained for him. This continued, with some breaks, till the autumn of 2023.

Now, it’s needful to point out that my dad’s 180 degree turn-around was a change in focus, not a change of heart. To my knowledge there have been no apologies, expressions of regret or steps toward reconciliation with any of the parties who he has offended or alienated by his actions, inactions, words or silence. Also, his 180 didn’t change his mind, which is in a state of denial, a denial of the validity of every accusation that has been made against him. He  just keeps right on going as if nothing ever happened, acknowledging no guilt for his divisive actions at Ashburn, taking no responsibility for antagonizing rather than supporting his replacement, not admitting his wife died because of his negligence and expressing no concern about splitting the family. No, he’s just back to doing all these good things that have nothing to do with the pain and devastation he has caused.

Pertaining to his health: the five years since his being banned have required various adjustments related to his gradual physical decline. Nonetheless, not counting a 2021 bout with Covid-19 that landed him in the hospital and a severe chest congestion early this year that brought him again to death’s door, he has been able to care for himself, continue to drive and maintain his lifelong habit of daily exercise. However, one of his daughters’ decision to move in to care for dad last year was none too soon. With her meal preparation, doing laundry etc. he has the perfect balance of independence and support.

Here’s another significant change: 2024 was the first January in decades where my dad did not head off to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico for an extended winter vacation. This was a great relief to the family, because just a few years earlier he had been robbed on the street just after coming out of a bank; and in 2015 he suffered a heart attack while on a solo vacation in Tennessee. So, in resent years a number of family members have taken turns going to Mexico to be there, just in case. This, of course, is not my dad’s idea of getting away. He prefers to be alone. Maybe that contributed to his decision in 2023 not to return to Mexico. He says he is done with vacations.

His severe illness this last winter seemed to have prompted a return to funeral planning which he had officially started over ten years ago. Now for the last few months these plans have been the most discussed topic when I visit. But, in my opinion he’s in quite good health for a 97 year old. He proves it every time he climbs the 14 steps of his two-level townhouse, which he does multiple times a day. It’s possible he may have time to revise his funeral plans multiple times.