Richard Lyon, who served our nation proudly in the Navy SEALs and later became an admiral has died in San Diego, California. He was 93 years old.
With a military career that lasted four decades, he fought for America in the Korea War and World War II, and was one of the first members of the military to enter Japan after the atomic bombs were dropped.
This is tragic:
Rear Adm. Tim Szymanski, commander of the Naval Special Warfare Command, called Lyon a legend who was honored with the title “Bullfrog” for being the oldest-serving SEAL. Lyon regularly attended the graduation ceremonies of SEALs.
“Every SEAL reflects on his warrior spirit and his lasting, impactful handprint on our legacy,” Szymanski said in a statement emailed to The Associated Press. “He will be greatly missed.”
Lyon died Friday surrounded by family and friends at his beachfront home in Oceanside, north of San Diego, said lifelong friend Kelly Sarber, who met Lyon as a child because her father was also a SEAL.
Sarber recalled photos of Lyon and other SEALs swimming with knives during the elite military team’s beginnings.
“He reminded me of James Bond,” she said. “I never saw him lose his cool. I never saw him be nothing but kind and treat people with manners. He was a real class act.”
He retired in 1983 and went to work as a retail marketing and financial executive. He also ran for office and became mayor of Oceanside, California in 1992 and 1996.
In 2013, Lyon was the recipient of the Yale University George H.W. Bush Lifetime of Leadership Award.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Cynthia Gisslin Lyon, along with nine children, 14 grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.
Let us pray for Lyon’s family during this difficult time. Rest in peace.
