Porter Xavier Lyons, a writer, poet, linguist, and game master, passed away on September 16, 2025, in Silver Spring, Maryland. Born on October 29, 1993, Porter’s life was filled with creativity and passion for literature and the arts. He graduated from the University of Dayton, where he was a resident assistant at Founders Hall (making it into the RA Hall of Fame) and participated in Model United Nations winning awards for his ability to organize a group for a cause.
Porter was a passionate advocate for the environment and pursued a master’s degree from Wright State University. His thesis, Red Skies: The Impact of Environmental Protests in the People’s Republic of China, 2004-2016 analyzed forty-one protests and their impact on government enforcement of environmental regulations. His research found that the success rate of a protest had much to do with the local government’s sense of social stability and the tactics protesters used, anticipating how authoritarian governments (local and national) will continue to respond to environmental protests.
Throughout his career, he served as an International Student Advisor and Associate Director at institutions such as the University of Dayton, Gannon University in Pennsylvania, and The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. Affectionately called “Mr. Porter” by students, he was a tireless advocate who went above and beyond to help them adjust to life in the United States and become familiar with its culture and surroundings.
Whether it was expressing his political passions, creating poetry, or crafting Table Top Roleplaying Games (TTRPG), Porter was a prolific writer. He had founded Firetoad Adventure Co., where he sold his adventures, leaving behind countless drawings, maps, and stories. He found inspiration in everything around him, and it was not uncommon to see him disappear into his notes app to jot down a writing idea before he forgot it.
Outside these pursuits, Porter is remembered by his loved ones for his gentle spirit and great sense of humor. He is survived by his devoted wife, Taylor Bryan Lyons, and mother, Karen (Leaf) Lyons. He is also remembered lovingly by his siblings: Courtney (Micah) Dowell, Jessica Lyons (Husam Qasim), and Harper Lyons, along with his nieces and nephews, Cassius and Eulalie Dowell, and Alexander Saif Qasim. Porter was a fun uncle, who would go to great lengths to hear them laugh. Porter’s father-in-law, Randy Bryan, and brother-in-law, Sam Bryan, were also an important part of his life, spending many Sundays together cheering for the Cleveland Browns—and more often than not, comforting each other in their losses. He also leaves behind his beloved cat, Zobalski (Zoe) Lyons.
Porter’s life was saved by a heart transplant in 2011 (preceded in death by his father, Douglas Lyons, from a similar condition), but he was never defined by it. In the thirteen and a half years since the transplant, he never let his condition hold him back from anything. He appreciated each moment with his loved ones and will be missed profoundly by those who were lucky enough to meet him.
Visitation was held on September 25, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Westbrock Funeral Home located at 1712 Wayne Ave, Dayton, Ohio. A Mass was celebrated on September 26, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Helen Parish, 605 Granville Pl, Dayton, Ohio, followed by a graveside service at Woodland Cemetery where Porter will be laid to rest.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley; attention Refugee Resettlement Services, at 1046 Brown St., Dayton, Ohio 45409.
