Joseph G. Lyon -Leader in Education

Joseph G. Lyon dedicated his career to serving the students of El Paso High School and science students throughout the district for more than 30 years. He emigrated to the United States from Lebanon to study animal sciences at New Mexico State University, graduating with a B.S. degree. He later studied at UT Austin where he was awarded a fellowship in sciences and earned a master's degree in education from Texas Western College. Mr. Lyon began teaching biology and physiology at El Paso High, impacting the lives off hundreds of science students. He loved his students, many of whom pursued professions in the sciences and medical field. He had a legacy at El Paso High with his father, Dr. George J. Lyon, a dentist, having studied there as a young man for a time in the early 1900s. Mr. Lyon's wife, Matilda Mowad Lyon, graduated from El Paso High in 1942 as a 16-year-old who went on to obtain her bachelor's and master's in education from Texas College of Mines. She taught in the El Paso Public Schools for more than 40 years. His daughter, Sandra Lyon Collins, also attended El Paso High and graduated in 1975. His other children are Richard G. Lyon, DDS, and SusanJoan Lyon. After years of dedication to his students at El Paso High, Mr. Lyon accepted an administrative position with El Paso Independent School District as Manager of the Live Material Center, overseeing the hands-on aspect of science in every classroom in the district. He maintained a greenhouse, raising starter cultures for science labs and overseeing the breeding, care and distribution of animals and plants to local schools. Mr. Lyon stayed updated on federal and state regulations regarding endangered or protected species, teaching proper handling techniques to teachers. He was known for his affectionate and gentle manner with the animals and students alike. Mr. Lyon was involved in many aspects of education. He served as President of the Board of the Teachers Federal Credit Union and El Paso Teachers Association, serving several terms on the board of each organization. He worked tirelessly to improve the lives of his students and fellow teachers by volunteering his time to causes that served others. He was a decades-long active member and Past President of the East El Paso Lions Club and a Vestry member of the Church of Saint Clement, and a small group leader with his wife for many years at his church. Mr. Lyon was a skilled violinist, having played since childhood and even performing professionally. He also maintained his Lebanese culture by playing the violin and oud (lute) at many cultural gatherings, surrounded by his large extended family and many Lebanese and Syrian friends. He served in World War II and grew up speaking and writing in four languages, including English, Arabic, French and Spanish. He acted as a translator on many occasions and translated documents from Arabic to English for numerous immigrants who settled in El Paso. Mr. Lyon retired from El Paso Independent School District in 1987 after more than 30 years of service and continued to meet former El Paso High students wherever he went. He had a deep connection with them and carried his happy memories of his science room on the fourth floor with him for the rest of his life.

Joseph Lyon – Manager of the Live Materials Center, El Paso ISD

Joe Lyon dedicated over two decades to caring for animals, plants, and other live specimens for the El Paso Independent School District’s science programs. As manager of the Live Materials Center, he oversaw the breeding, care, and distribution of animals and plants to local school science labs. His charges included guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, rats, mice, frogs, fish, earthworms, and even bacteria (carefully chosen to be non-pathogenic), along with a wide range of plants, including geraniums, coleus, and many varieties of cactus.

Lyon also maintained a greenhouse, raised starter cultures for science labs, and ensured all living materials were kept healthy and safe before being sent to schools. His work included staying updated on federal and state regulations, especially regarding endangered or protected species, and teaching proper handling techniques to teachers.

Affectionately known for his gentle, patient manner with animals, Lyon often spoke to them, joking that “they don’t talk back.” He prided himself on humane care, feeding animals high-protein diets, and minimizing stress.

Outside of work, Lyon was a skilled violinist, having played since childhood and even performed professionally. He had served in World War II, traveled widely, and enjoyed horticulture. His role at the Live Materials Center reflected both his scientific knowledge and his deep compassion for living things, making him a beloved figure in the school district.