News Summary
John Lyon, a beloved former radio broadcaster for WMAL, has died at 85. Known for his warm personality and community service, Lyon’s legacy lives on through his advocacy for crime victims and his impact on the Washington D.C. community. His personal tragedy, marked by the abduction of his daughters, shaped his life and work, inspiring many to seek awareness and safety regarding child abduction.
Washington, D.C. – John Lyon, a former WMAL radio broadcaster, has passed away at the age of 85. Lyon was a familiar voice in the Washington metropolitan area for over two decades, where he was known for his cheerful on-air personality and dedication to community service.
Lyon’s broadcasting career at WMAL lasted 22 years, concluding in 1990 when the station underwent a format change. Throughout his tenure, he became a beloved figure, engaging his audience with warmth and positivity. He was also active in volunteering, notably with the Victim Services Center, helping others navigate the challenges related to crime.
Despite the personal tragedy of his daughters’ abduction in March 1975—12-year-old Sheila and 10-year-old Katherine Lyon, who went missing while visiting Wheaton Plaza during Easter vacation—Lyon maintained his presence on the radio. The case of the missing sisters captured the attention of the community and highlighted the issues surrounding child abduction. For years, Lyon and his family remained relatively quiet as a search was conducted for the girls, who were never found.
In June 2024, John Lyon’s wife, Mary, died, leaving him to continue navigating his life amid the profound loss of his daughters and the passing of his partner. The family focused on preserving their privacy while still mourning their tragic circumstances. Their tragic story took a significant turn in 2017 when Lloyd Lee Welch pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree felony murder related to the girls’ deaths. He is currently serving a 48-year sentence at Nottoway Correctional Center in Virginia. However, the Lyon sisters’ bodies have never been recovered, leaving many unanswered questions for their family and the community.
Jay Lyon, John Lyon’s son, emphasized how his father worked diligently to protect the family’s privacy during their ordeal. Throughout the years, John Lyon’s involvement with community efforts remained steadfast, as he continued to assist other crime victims while seeking closure on behalf of his daughters.
The impact of the Lyon sisters’ case on the community was profound, shaping attitudes toward child safety and abduction awareness. Many families in the area were affected by the fears and concerns that arose from the girls’ disappearance, a testament to how deeply rooted their story was in local history.
Visitation and funeral arrangements for John Lyon are set for the coming week at St. John the Evangelist Historic Church in Silver Spring, Maryland. Members of the community are expected to pay their respects, reflecting on the contributions Lyon made during his life and the indelible mark he left on the airwaves and the lives of those he touched.
In a statement, State’s Attorney John McCarthy praised Lyon for his unwavering commitment to helping other victims of crime, even while he continued to search for answers regarding his daughters’ fate. The legacy of John Lyon transcends his broadcasting career, representing a life intertwined with community service, compassion, and resilience amid tragedy.
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Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
