John Lyon, a cherished radio personality known for his vibrant career in the Washington D.C. area and for enduring the profound personal tragedy of his daughters, Sheila and Katherine, going missing from the Wheaton area in Montgomery County, MD has
passed away
at the age of 85.
The
disappearance of the Lyon sisters
in 1975, who were last seen walking to Wheaton Plaza from their home in nearby Kensington, deeply impacted the community, with their case becoming a widely followed and long-unsolved mystery. As reported by Neil Augenstein of
WTOP
, Lyon, who became a household name during his 22-year tenure at WMAL, left an indelible mark on the broadcasting world with his unique ability to connect with audiences across diverse platforms.
Lyon’s career in radio began humbly in Peoria, Illinois, where he worked as an announcer for three years. His journey brought him to Washington D.C. to introduce TV programming on WMAL’s TV affiliate, which later became WJLA. Despite his television role, Lyon continued to pursue his passion for radio, making weekend appearances before transitioning to a full-time position at WMAL in 1978.
Affectionately
dubbed a “swingman” by colleagues
and listeners alike, Lyon’s versatility allowed him to fill in for any show, endearing him to a wide range of audiences. His tenure at WMAL, however, came to an end in 1990 when the station shifted towards a talk-radio format, replacing his personality-driven style with nationally-syndicated shows. The decision prompted an outpouring of support from his fans, who inundated the station with “hundreds of calls and letters,” demanding his return.
After his departure from WMAL, Lyon embarked on a new chapter, dedicating 20 years to the Montgomery County Government’s Victim Assistance Program. His commitment to serving the community through this role, even as the search for answers about his own daughters continued for decades, further demonstrated his unwavering dedication to making a positive impact.
Per his
obituary
, John Lyon passed away on June 26, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, humor, and community spirit. He is survived by his children, John B. Jr. and Joseph P., and his grandchildren, Matthew, Theresa, Patrick J., Grady, Katherine, Bridgit, and Patrick K. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Mary Jo Lyon, and daughters, Sheila M. and Katherine M. Lyon. He is also survived by his siblings, Susan and Michael Lyon.
A visitation will be held at Collins Funeral Home in Silver Spring, MD on Monday, July 14, 2025, from 2 to 4 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. John the Evangelist Historic Church on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at 11:30 a.m., followed by interment in St. John’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in Alexandria, VA, reflecting Lyon’s lifelong commitment to advocacy and service.
