William Lyons Obituary

William (Bill) Claypool Lyons, father, grandfather, and esteemed educator, passed away peacefully on July 29, 2024, at the age of 86, in Kansas City, Kansas. Born on November 26, 1937, in Bronx, New York to Tom and Lucy Lyons, Bill was the youngest of three sons and he dedicated his life to the pursuit of knowledge and the mentoring of countless students in the field of engineering.

A 1956 graduate of Southwest High School in Kansas City MO, Bill earned his Bachelors, Masters and PhD degrees in geology engineering at the University of Kansas and then spent a distinguished career sharing his passion for the subject as a professor at the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology. His commitment to excellence in education was not only evident in the classroom but also through his involvement as a visiting professor at the Air Force Academy, where he inspired future leaders and innovators.

Known for his kindness, patience, and unwavering support, Bill touched the lives of many students and colleagues. He believed in the power of education to change lives and was dedicated to nurturing the next generation of engineers. His contributions to the field extended beyond teaching, as he engaged in numerous research projects and collaborations that advanced engineering practices. During the course of his career, Bill added petroleum engineering to his repertoire, coauthoring several textbooks and field manuals that are still the reference standard throughout the world.

Additionally, Bill was a consulting engineer to Taos Ski Valley in Taos, New Mexico, for several decades and he was responsible for the design of multiple structures that remain in constant use to this day.

Outside of his professional life, Bill cherished time spent with his extended family. He enjoyed outdoor activities, and sharing stories around the dinner table. His warmth, humor, and kindness will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Bill is survived by his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and a wide circle of friends and colleagues who will keep his memory alive in their hearts. A family memorial is being held in Kansas City during the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday in his honor.

In Taos Ski Valley, Bill's ashes will be spread on the mountain on Saturday, January 4th 2025, with a reception to follow at 5:00pm; the reception location is the residence at 1512 Millicent Rogers Road. All inquiries can be directed to Andrew Lyons at (505) 982-0453 or [email protected].

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Dr. William C. Lyons Memorial Scholarship fund at New Mexico Tech, in Soccoro, NM, ensuring that Bill's legacy of inspiring young minds continues for years to come.