With much regret, we inform you of the passing of George Dewey Lyons Jr, MD. that occurred on October 6th, 2018 at his home in New Orleans, Louisiana. At the time of Dr. Lyon’s transition, he was 90 years old. He was inducted as an Active Fellow in 1978 and elevated to Emeritus status in 1993.
After graduating from high school in 1946, he joined the military serving as a corpsman in the US Navy. Following his discharge, he completed coursework at the Southeastern University. He continued his education at the LSU Medical School where he completed a specialty in Otorhinolaryngology. Entering private practice, he later began teaching at LSU Medical School in New Orleans and ultimately became Professor and Department Head of Otorhinolaryngology and Biocommunication, a position he held for over 25 years where he was also known as “Chief”. Dr. Lyons was a pioneer and recognized leader in the field of cochlear implants as well as interventional laryngeal and phono surgery.
Among the many academic and honorary achievements he received, Dr. Lyons was also an Emeritus Member and/or Senior Member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology Society, Triological Society, Pan-American Society of Otolaryngology, Society of University Otolaryngology, and American Broncho-Esophageal Association.
He is credited with over 150 medial publications as evidenced by his love for teaching and his unquenchable thirst for knowledge and travel. He combined these passions to attend and teach at medical schools around the world. When not caring for his patients or teaching, he was active with numerous charitable organizations including the Sons of the American Revolution and St. Michael Special School. He was instrumental in forming the Kam’s Foundation to help the hearing impaired. Listed among his passionate pastimes were big game and bird hunting, shooting clay targets, angler fishing, and breeding and raising show dogs.
Dr. Lyons was a man of impeccable integrity, humility and character who made a significant contribution to our world during his lifetime.
His adoring wife and lifelong partner, Agnes Elizabeth (Betty) Lyons; his sons, George D. III and Michael; his daughters Shelley and Pamela; his 8 grandchildren Alexandra and Isobel Pribil, Timothy, Jack, George, Catherine, Olivia and Grace Lyons are among his survivors.