John Lyon, a revered voice in D.C. radio, known for his work at WMAL, has died at 85, his family announced. Lyon, whose career spanned over two decades, became an influential figure in the D.C. area not only for his broadcasting achievements but also for his undying commitment to finding the truth behind the disappearance and murder of his daughters, Katherine and Sheila, in 1975, as reported by WUSA9.
Despite the professional demands of being a "swingman" at WMAL, Lyon carried the weight of his personal tragedy, never ceasing in the search for answers about his missing daughters, which led to the eventual conviction of Lloyd Lee Welch in 2017, though the girls' remains were never recovered, as detailed in an interview with Lyon's son Jay provided by WTOP. His dedication extended beyond his family; he volunteered with Montgomery County’s Victim Services Center, helping those navigating the criminal justice system, as remembered by Montgomery County State’s Attorney John McCarthy.
John Lyon's versatility on air was revered among colleagues, with former WMAL colleague Tom Gauger recalling him as "probably the most flexible broadcaster I’ve ever known" in a 2017 WTOP podcast. Gauger reminisced about Lyon's multifaceted talent, from singing to entertaining as a disc jockey and fronting his band, The Gross National Product. Lyon was a fixture at the station, even bringing his children and eventually grandchildren to see where he worked, illustrating a commitment to family and career that ran parallel for many years, as recounted by his son Jay who spoke on Lyon's dream to welcome his family into his professional world, one of the many poignant anecdotes shared in the WTOP interview.
Lyon, who voided the limelight during the search for his daughters, instead focused on his broadcasting career and support for other crime victims. This profound duality of public figure and private, suffering parent, left a mark noted by many, including Gary Reals, a former WMAL newscaster, who saw the impact Lyon's personal tragedy had on the community. Lyon's career at WMAL shifted when the station changed formats in 1990, a time recounted by Jay Lyon as the radio business undergoing dramatic changes, yet his father's reputation as a consummate professional and compassionate individual remained intact.
John Lyon's wife, Mary, predeceased him in 2024, and he is survived by two children and an extended family of grandchildren. According to the family's obituary notice shared by Capitol Communicator, visitation for John Lyon will take place Monday and Tuesday, with a funeral service scheduled on Tuesday morning at St. John the Evangelist Historic Church in Silver Spring, Maryland.
