Ed was born and raised in Ventura. A product of public education graduating from Ventura High School in 1957. While in high school Ed was manger/trainer for football, basketball and baseball. As a nine year old at church camp alter call Ed declared his life for Christ. His faith was deepen while in the Marine Corps. Ed shares that he experienced Jesus more fully in his Marriage to Pat, his wife of 47 years. There is something said to being a "Kept Man" by Jesus Christ his whole life.
After the Marine Corps Ed attended Ventura College and then San Jose State University graduating in 1963. Much later in life Ed graduated with a Masters in Public Policy from California Lutheran University. Ed has more than 40 years of business and education advocacy experience, having founded a local engineering construction company and a refinery in Ventura. For the past ten years Ed has dedicated his life to the nonprofit sector including being President of Santa Clara High School and Director, United Way of Ventura County.
Ed's community involvement and honors include Past Chair ,life time honorary board member, Golden Eagle Man of the Year, of the Ventura County Economic Development Association. Founding Chair, California State University Ventura Task force leading to the establishment of Cal State Channel Islands. The Ed Lyon Excellence in Education Award given annually in honor to the most creative curriculum developed by a teacher in Ventura County by the Impact ll Committee. Ed is in the Ventura College Hall of Fame, Grand Marshall of the Ventura County Fair Parade, Oil Man of the Year. Jim Cowan Educator of the Year.
Ed and Pat have five grown children, three sons and two daughters, one daughter in law and two sons in law, with nine grand children. All live in Ventura. Two sons played college football, one son has been a soft ball umpire for twenty years and another son has been a football coach for twenty years. Ed's wife Pat has been a Youth Minister for thirty years. Ed and Pat are active members of Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church in Ventura.