Col. William Thomas McLyman, born May 22, 1932, in Los Angeles, concluded his journey Monday, Nov. 27, 2023.
In heartfelt remembrance, we honor Colonel’s unwavering commitment to the United States Navy, where he faithfully served from 1950 to 1956, all while pursuing his education at Compton College. During this time, he acquired knowledge that would not only shape his career at NASA but also instill in him a profound passion for the inrticacies of magnetic circuit design.
A celebrated engineer and crucial part of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory for 32 years until his retirement in 1997, McLyman played an instrumental role in missions such as the Mars Rover, Apollo, Voyager and Galileo. His contributions to core magnetics and magnetic design garnered global recognition, marking him as a pioneer in the field.
In 1994, he embarked on a lifelong partnership with Bonnie McLyman, and together they shared almost three decades of love, marriage and companionship.
Idyllwild, a place he held dear, reciprocated his affection. Colonel McLyman’s legacy is deeply intertwined with the scenic beauty of Idyllwild, where he began constructing a chereished home in 1971. After retirement in 1997, Colonel and Bonnie moved to Idyllwild full-time.
Colonel was well-loved for his kind, generous spirit and sweet, sarcastic quick wit. He enjoyed being in nature, grilling ribs for his family and all things airplane related. Colonel always enjoyed traveling, including going to the Reno Air Races every year.
Left to cherish his memory is his devoted wife Bonnie; daughters Marla, Holly and Heather; along with six grandchildren, two great-granchchildren and his nephew Bob McLyman.
Colonel McLymans’s impact on family, science and the community remains an enduring testament to God and a life well-lived.
The memorial service at Miller Jones Mortuary will commence at 10 a.m. Tuesay, Dec. 19, where friends and family will join together to celebrate his remarkable journey.
Following the ceremony, the Naval Honor Guard Ceremony will honor Colonel McLyman at Riverside National Cemetery, representing the respect and gratitude for his dedicated service.
