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Thomas Lyons Obituary
THOMAS LYONS JULY 21,1945 â€" NOVEMBER 21, 2023
If wealth were counted in true friends, Tom Lyons is a rich man. No one could not meet him without understanding instantly his thoughtfulness, integrity, deep sense of justice and right and wrong, and his kindness. He was the epitome of a gentleman, polite, considerate, interesting and good company. To many, he was a hero.
Tom dedicated his life to helping others. He served his country four years in the USAF, 14 years with Miami PD, and 20 years as a special agent with the FBI. His interest was in the future of Law Enforcement. In Miami he authored Federal Grants that for the first time enabled local and federal law enforcement to work cases together. In the FBI, he authored the 1989 study FBI-2000 identifying future law enforcement problems and predicting solutions. Tom later served as head of the FBI National Academy at Quantico. He was proud of his many achievements, but often gave the credit to others.
He taught himself videography and volunteered with Hospice making scores of "Life Story Movies" for patients to give to their families.
An active member of the Cosmos Club Tom chaired the chess group, created movies of past presidents, was on the Board of Management.
Tom was born in Latrobe, PA to Laura Lattanzio and Rayford (Jack) Lyons of Oklahoma City, OK. He is survived by his beautiful daughter Nicole Yvonne Lyons from his first marriage that ended in divorce, and her son William Thomas Lyons.
He is survived by his wife Jeanne Fogle of Washington, DC, who became the love of his life when they met in 1987. They married in 1989. Her wedding ring was engraved by Tom to say: Forever is too brief a time to love and be with you. Friends called them best loving couple ever, two peas in a pod.
An inquisitive, adventurous man, Tom had a quiet sense of humor and a smile that could brighten the universe. He was an inspiration to his friends whom he deeply cared about, always putting them before himself.
In a 2023 New Year's note to his friends Tom anticipated this day when he wrote: I have thought of you often my friend. I see now that I am in the later part of my life. My thoughts take me to a higher place. I will keep smiling.
His wishes are to be inurned in Arlington Cemetery. A ceremony will be held at a later date. Donations in his name may be made to your favorite charity.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Lyons
Craig W Floyd
July 1, 2025
I will always remember Tom fondly. He took a strong interest in the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial while being head of the FBI National Academy. He started a tradition that continues to this day of bringing each Academy class to the Memorial for a solemn ceremony of remembrance. For many in the class, this is their first experience visiting the Memorial. At the end of the ceremony, classmates read the name of an officer from their department who died in the line of duty. Tom was a trailblazer and leader. This is one of many legacies he left behind. Tom is a law enforcement hero I will never forget!
Hilda A. Kogut
February 19, 2024
Tom was a great guy and a great colleague. I loved working with him with the National Academy and later when he traveled with the professional golf circuit. Rest in Peace
Nick Londino
December 15, 2023
Tom will ever hold a place of high esteem in my memory. He was my Unit Chief during my final assignment: the FBINA Unit. Tom was a fine, fair and considerate man. I enjoyed and was blessed by having worked for him. Jeanne, Nicole and William are in my prayers...May God's strength sustain you in the days ahead. With sincere condolences...Nick
Dennis Archey
December 12, 2023
Tom was a memorable NAC 80-16 classmate. He frequently displayed his wit and "lets get it done" attitude. He and I met several years later when he traveled to Cleveland. We caught up and he was the same engaging person I remembered. He contacted me by phone a couple of years ago just to catch up. RIP Tom, and my condolences to your family. Dennis Archey NAC 80-16
Madelyn A Turner
December 12, 2023
Tom, was the best Unit Chief, I never beat playing golf.
Moochie (Madelyn Turner)
Mary Ayivi
December 11, 2023
I was a caretaker for Thomas and he made the job easier because he was welcoming and kind. My condolences to his wife Jeanne and his family.
Regla Aloma
December 9, 2023
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Kevin Crawford
December 7, 2023
Tom Lyons was a kind soul and a man of wisdom. He was always considerate of others and a great friend to those of us who knew him. He was always a calming presence and I am a better person for knowing him.
Tonja Price
December 7, 2023
Rest in Peace, Tom. I remember you well and not too long ago, your name came to my mind for some reason. I remember every Wednesday was cookie day in the cafeteria and you and Jim Kaletta were always on a mission. You definitely made your mark on the world and our hearts. I hope you rest in eternal peace.
Dianne Irby
December 7, 2023
Tom was my Unit Chief at the Academy. He was kind hearted and will be missed by many. May he rest in peace. With Respect, Dianne Irby (Retired FBI Registered Nurse)
Bob
December 7, 2023
Tom, your presence in this world and the lives you´ve touched has made it a better place. Thank you for letting me experience it with you. Rest in peace my friend.
Bob Hasychak
Susan Gill
December 6, 2023
I am so very sorry for your loss. Tom was a great guy.
Michael Sutton
December 6, 2023
Please Rest In Peace. You will always be my friend and always an American Hero!!!
Linda Baumann
December 6, 2023
Tom was a wonderful man and his relationship with Jeanne was remarkable. I was so lucky to have spent some time with them (and I will always remember Tom dressed as the King to attract new members to the Cosmos Chess Club). He will be greatly missed by so many people.
Dennis Rasmussen
December 5, 2023
Jeanne - we are so sorry for your loss. Tom was a good friend and mentor. As the copilot in the inaugural off-road EVOC course that Frank mentioned, I have many fond memories from NAC 80-16. Tom was an adventure to be sure. Rest in peace my brother in blue.
Anne Ralston Kane
December 4, 2023
Jeanne, I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved Tom. He was a good man who will be deeply missed in this crazy world. I remember him fondly.
Anne Ralston Kane NAC 80-16
Benita Lubic
December 4, 2023
Jeanne and family. There is a real void in my life now without Tom, a true gentleman, scholar (he couldn't keep up with Jeanne), organizer and chess player. Tom is missed, but forever remembered. Benita
Raisa Scriabine
December 4, 2023
Our deepest sympathy. Tom was a true gentleman and a wonderful friend. We will always miss him.
Neil Heims
December 4, 2023
Having known Tom for 51 years, it's an understatement to say that we've done some... stuff together. As I reflected on what to say here, many, many images flashed through my mind: good times, tough times, interesting times... One of my most vivid and pleasing was being with Tom and Jeanne at Great Falls Park on that beautiful day as they exchanged vows. A life well lived my friend, rest well.
Frank Evans
December 3, 2023
Tom, Rest In Peace. Few will remember that you established the first off-road EVOC course for the FBI during your tenure in NAC 80-16. The remarkable thing is you ran the LUNGA Lake Reservoir off-road course in a Datsun 240Z, evading all who tried to keep up with you. You were always a gentleman, classmate and friend.
Barry Kroboth
December 3, 2023
As my friend and law enforcement brother I will miss you. We enjoyed many endeavors the last was sharing the first NAC 80-16 endeavor in New Orleans! Rest in Peace my friend and brother. You will be missed!
Kathleen
December 3, 2023
I never knew Tom, but after reading his obituary, I wish that I had. He sounds like a super-star.
Debbie Freeman
December 3, 2023
Tommy was one of the most wonderful friends anyone could have and he and Jeanne shared many fun adventures together and were blessed with a beautiful connection and love. They truly were two peas in a pod and I will miss him so much. He has been a dear friend for 45 years. As Tommy asked, I will keep smiling while keeping many fun memories of times with both of them! May God bless you, Jeanne and I know we will share memories of Tommy for many years to come.
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