CABAZON – (INT) – A public memorial service is was held Saturday for Maurice Lyons, the former tribal chairman of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians.

Mr. Lyons died Wednesday at the age of 63.

He became tribal housing commissioner in 1994 and eventually served on the tribal council for 15 years.

Mr. Lyons was instrumental in the development of the Morongo Casino, Resort and Spa which has become a landmark in the lower Banning Pass.

He became known for his dedication to improving the lives of Native American children, families and elders by advancing tribal self-sufficiency.

As a member of the Riverside National Cemetery’s governing board, Lyons was instrumental in establishing and building the cemetery’s MIA-POW monument. Lyons was serving as
Morongo’s Chairman when the tribe donated the seed money for the National American Indian Veterans monument.

Saturday’s 10am service will be at the Morongo Community Center.

Story Date: October 22, 2013