Philanthropist, USC alumnus dies at 89

Newport Beach developer and philanthropist Leon Lyon died at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian on Dec. 15 of complications from congestive heart failure.

He was 89.

Lyon and his brother William Lyon founded the real estate development firm Luxury Homes in 1954, before selling the company in 1968.

Lyon served on the boards of the Orange County Museum of Art, Orange County Philharmonic Society and the Laguna College of Art and Design.

Born May 1, 1920, Lyon earned his degree from USC in 1942 and served in the Marine Corps during World War II.

Lyon is survived by his wife, Barbara Baker Burnham; his brother; sons Bruce and Curt Lyon; daughter Linda Othenin-Girard; five stepchildren; six grandchildren and 17 step-grandchildren.

— Brianna Bailey