Patricia Lee Lyon pursued a career in the entertainment industry as an actress and was known for her roles in “Country Love” (1972), “Blowing Hot and Cold” (1989), and “My Three Sons” (1960). However, she was more famed as the ex-wife of the renowned actor Robert Fuller. They were married for over 2 decades and shared three children; Rob Fuller, Christine Anne Fuller, and Patrick Fuller.
Over the years, Patricia’s whereabouts have been a thing of speculation with many sources hinting that she embraced a private life after her divorce which we confirmed to be false.
As you would soon learn, Patricia’s life’s journey was marked by remarkable achievements, a marriage that spanned decades, and a tragic battle with cancer that ended her life.
Patricia Lee Lyon died of cancer 8 years after she divorced Robert Fuller
As earlier stated, Patricia and Robert Fuller were previously married. However, their marriage faced numerous challenges, leading to their eventual divorce. The reasons behind their separation remain private, but it is rumored that the pair grew apart as her husband spent more time with his friends and engaging in hobbies like fishing and hunting, leaving her all alone.
Tragically, Patricia’s struggles did not end with her divorce. Eight years after the separation, she moved to Florida to continue her career in the entertainment industry but unfortunately, she was diagnosed with cancer.
Upon receiving her diagnosis, the mother of three chose to face her illness head-on. She sought medical treatment and surrounded herself with a support system of family and friends who provided her with love and encouragement. Sadly, Robert’s ex-wife died on June 6, 1993, 3 months after the diagnosis, and was 49 years old at the time.
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The Indiana native also pursued a career as an actress
Born and raised in Hammond on March 17, 1944, Patricia’s interest in arts was spurred from a young age. As a senior at Bishop Noll, she captured the coveted title of Indiana Junior Miss in 1961, showcasing her talent and poise. This became a stepping stone for her future endeavors.
Following her high school graduation, Patricia enrolled at the University of Southern California at North Ridge. She joined her sister, who had already ventured to Los Angeles to pursue her acting aspirations. There, she honed her skills and talent under the tutelage of an acting coach.
Her career started with commercials and later, she made television appearances on popular shows like “My Three Sons” (1960) and “The Donna Reed Show” (1958). The rising star became notable during this period for her role as Paul Peterson’s girlfriend, Maxine on “The Donna Reed Show,” leaving an indelible mark on viewers’ hearts.
Her career began to decline after she married Robert. However, she appeared in “Laramie” (1959) and “Wagon Train” (1957) which also starred her ex-husband. Aside from this, she also made her marks on the stage with appearances on a couple of Burt Reynold’s shows.
Patricia made a career shift in the late 1970s
Patricia pursued a new passion in the late 70s, earning a degree in interior design from Woodbury University in Los Angeles. With her creative flair and eye for aesthetics, she embarked on a successful career in this field.
Her talent for interior decorating caught the attention of her client who was the renowned actor Burt Reynolds, a longtime friend. Reynolds was the owner who invited her to collaborate on various projects at his theater in Jupiter, Florida.
Aside from interior designing, she later owned a gift shop in Jupiter that catered to the elite of the area, showcasing her impeccable taste and style.
Until Patricia’s death, she was known to have an exciting life. Her sister Barbara Kingsley noted that she was the most loving and special person whose infectious spirit touched the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Patricia Lee Lyon was married to Robert Fuller for 22 years
Patricia Lyon crossed paths with the television star, Robert Fuller in 1961 while pursuing a career in the entertainment industry. Their connection was immediate, and the couple wasted no time in getting hitched the following year. The pair opted for a secret ceremony held in Las Vegas and witnessed by a few close friends and family members.
Their love story blossomed, both on and off-screen, as they shared the spotlight on “Laramie” and “Wagon Train.” The couple also performed together in several shows for Reynolds including “Wait Until Dark”.
As their relationship evolved, so did their family. The pair soon became parents of three children; Rob Fuller., Christine Anne Fuller, and Patrick Fuller. She became more committed to raising her kids and only accepted a few acting roles at the time.
Despite their shared success in the entertainment industry, Patricia and Robert faced challenges in their marriage. In 1984, the 22nd year of their marriage, they made the difficult decision to part ways, ending their union. However, they were still part of their children’s lives.
Patti as mostly called, decided to move to Florida where she remained until her death. On the other hand, her ex-husband remained in Los Angeles until he retired from the industry. He remarried the American actress Jennifer Savidge in 2001 and the pair moved to North Texas in 2004.
