Kelly Wayne Lydon

Kelly Wayne Lydon

December 3, 1949 – August 18, 2026

Kelly Wayne Lydon passed away suddenly on August 18, 2026, in Chico, California, at age 76. He was born on December 3, 1949, in Inglewood, California, to Clarence and Shirley Lydon. His family moved to Chico in 1964, where he attended and graduated from Pleasant Valley High School in 1968.

Music was an important and joyful part of Kelly’s life. In 1967, he began playing with Sandoz Bluz, a band he formed with his high school friends Ron Balch, Steve Taylor, and Bill Kingsley. In 1970, the band auditioned at the Fillmore West in San Francisco. Kelly later performed with several local bands, including Everyman, Cottonwood, and Roller Coaster. He also played in Hot Sauce, a trio with Steve Harter and Mike Wiegert. Through music, Kelly shared his creativity and built friendships that remained meaningful throughout his life.

Kelly began his real estate career in Chico in 1977 with Sun Realty before joining Coldwell Banker DuFour Realty. In 1988, he opened his own brokerage, Lydon Realty. Soon afterward, he and his business and life partner, Julie Jeffries, purchased a Century 21 franchise and established Century 21 Jeffries Lydon. As broker and owner for more than 20 years, Kelly helped grow the company to nearly 60 full-time agents. The office earned numerous awards and became a well-known name in Chico real estate. More than a successful business, it was a place where Kelly worked closely with others and cultivated relationships. Throughout his career, he worked alongside hundreds of local Realtors and formed many lasting professional and personal connections. His influence reached well beyond the transactions he handled; he became a familiar and valued part of the Chico community.

Kelly will be remembered for his love of music, his commitment to his work, his loyalty to his friends, and the many relationships he nurtured over the years. His presence in Chico, in the real estate community, and among the musicians and friends who knew him will be deeply missed.

Kelly is survived by his sister, Clarice Reutlinger; brothers Keith (Robi) Lydon and Kirk (Yvonne) Lydon; nephew Brian Reutlinger (Liz); nieces Michelle Reutlinger, Taylor Lydon, and Carly (Josh) Riggs; and extended family. He was preceded in death by his father, Clarence Lydon, and his brother-in-law, Jim Reutlinger. His mother, Shirley Lydon, passed away 15 days after Kelly. Kelly will be laid to rest alongside his mother in a private family interment.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Details will be shared when arrangements are finalized.