Obituaries
William Lyon, OC Homebuilder & Civic Leader, Dies At 97
Following a 35-year career in the Air Force, Lyon began building homes in California and became a civic leader in Orange County.
ORANGE COUNTY, CA — Air Force major general turned Orange County homebuilder William Lyon died Friday at age 97.
Following a 35-year career in the U.S. Air Force, Lyon began building homes for military personnel returning to California.
His company evolved to become William Lyon Homes, Inc., and went on to build more than 75,000 homes in the western United States, according to an obituary prepared by the Lyon Air Museum in Santa Ana, which he founded.
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Lyon flew combat missions in Europe, the Pacific and North Africa during World War II and in the Korean War.
Lyon was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal and the Presidential Unit Citation.
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Lyon also served as Chief of the Air Force Reserve from 1975-79 and board chairman of the United States Air Force Academy Research and Development Institution, chairman and director of the USAF Falcon Foundation and was a member of the Air Force Academy Foundation. He also chairman of the American Air Museum in Britain.
The Richard Nixon Foundation sent flowers to his home in Coto de Caza and called Lyon "an Orange County icon, stalwart patriot and longtime supporter of the Nixon Library and Foundation."
Newport Beach Mayor Will O'Neill announced he would adjourn Tuesday's City Council meeting in Lyon's memory.
"His impact on our city, county, state and country cannot be understated," O'Neill tweeted. "Thank you for your service RIP."
A cause of death was not immediately disclosed.
—City News Service
