Obituary: Arthur E. Lyman

Great-grandfather, Air Force veteran, traveler, dancer, comedian

Arthur E. Lyman, a long-time resident of Claremont, died June 13 at the age of 96. Arthur was born May 14, 1929 in Chicago, and spent much of his childhood moving about Canada before entering the United States Air Force. He proudly served five years as an airman during the Korean War, with much of his time spent in the Philippines. Upon discharging from the Air Force, he moved to Southern California, where he met Frances at the Jewish club playing cards. They were married on January 30, 1954, a union that would last 44 years until her death in March 1998.

He attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering. Upon completion of his degree, he was offered a position on the management team at General Dynamics in Pomona. He retired from General Dynamics after 32 years in the aerospace industry. “Arthur liked to say, ‘The smartest thing I ever did was marry Frances,’ as she put him through school,” his family shared.

In retirement the couple toured the United States in their motorhome. They enjoyed meeting other campers as they crisscrossed their way across the country. “Upon losing his copilot Frances, Arthur sold his motorhome, and spent a couple of summers touring Europe with the Vans Warped Tour,” his family said. While on tour he shared a bus with rapper and actor Ice-T.

He was an avid golfer, and he enjoyed his golden years on the links, “pumping iron” at the Claremont Club, and ballroom dancing at senior centers throughout the area, “Where he made sure every lady got a dance, including his long-time companion, Gloria Fisher,” his family added. “He also loved a good meal, including a ‘real Pastrami sandwich.’ Arthur enjoyed being the center of attention and telling jokes.”

He is survived by his children, Kevin Lyman (Fran) of Altadena, California, Gregg Lyman (Barbara) of Sonoma, California, Becky Hollingsworth of Rancho Cucamonga, and Barbara “Sunshine” Farris of Lake Havasu, Arizona. He also leaves behind grandchildren Allen, Steve, Shaun, Breann, David, Sierra, Sabreen; great-grandchildren Trevor, Daniel, Nicholas, Elizabeth, Kealani, and Bodhi; and one surviving sister, Bernie (Gary) Thomas of Warrenton, Oregon.

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