[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 172 (Tuesday, December 21, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2229-E2230]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE LIFE OF DR. HYLAN BENTON LYON, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RALPH M. HALL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 21, 2010

  Mr. HALL of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of 
a dedicated veteran and scientist, Dr. Hylan Benton Lyon, Jr., of 
Heath, Texas, who died at the age of 74 on July 20, 2010.
  Born July 20, 1936 in New London, Connecticut, Dr. Lyon was the son 
of World War II Veteran Rear Admiral Hylan Benton Lyon, Sr. and Wilma 
Lyon. In 1958, Hylan graduated from the United States Naval Academy and 
proudly served his Nation as a naval reconnaissance pilot during the 
Vietnam War from 1958 to 1969. In addition during his naval career, he 
attended the University of California, Berkley where he earned a PhD in 
physical chemistry.
  Dr. Lyon enjoyed a very successful career, serving under President 
Richard M. Nixon and President Gerald Ford on the President's Science 
Advisor staff, which included working on the Advanced Aircraft 
Instrumentation program of the U.S. Office of Naval Research. In 
addition, he worked as a Science Policy Analyst with the State 
Department. He was a senior consultant to the White House Office of 
Science and Technology Policy on International Science and Technology 
under President Jimmy Carter.
  As a civilian, Dr. Lyon was a deputy director of the Science, 
Technology and Industry Directorate in the Organization of Economic 
Cooperation and Development in Paris, France and then spent ten years 
with Texas Instruments. While at Texas Instruments, Dr. Lyon used his 
vast experience in risk management and water resources serving as a 
member for President Carter's National Agenda for the Eighties 
Commission and as a chairman of the National Defense University 
Distinguished Fellows with oversight of the Mobilization of Concepts 
Development Center. Following his time at Texas Instruments, Dr. Lyon 
was the chief technology officer for Marlow Industries for fifteen 
years and then worked for Dumas Capitol Partners LLC.
  Dr. Lyon was the president and COO of Polytronix Inc. and was the co-
founder of the Texas Institute of Science. He was a member of the 
Organization of Economic and Co-Operation of Development. In addition 
he was a member of the Cosmos Club in Washington, DC, Park City Rotary, 
Rockwall Republican Men's Club and the Rockwall Power Team. He was an 
avid biker and fisher and had a love for sailing. He also was active in 
community service.
  Hylan is survived by his wife, Sandra Starr Lyon, son Matthew Lyon 
and wife Jasmine Andrew Lyon, son Jonathan Lyon, son Christopher Starr 
and wife Rebecca, and son Kenneth Starr and wife Jennifer, daughter 
Karen

[[Page E2230]]

Rogers, several grandchildren, his sister Sharon Gugat and her husband 
Kevin, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is also missed by 
those in the community and his classmates from the Naval Academy.
  Madam Speaker, I am privileged to have known such a wonderful citizen 
of Heath, Texas, who leaves a legacy in public service and in science 
that will be long remembered.

                          ____________________