Jerry L. Lyman, 84, of Las Cruces, NM, died Sunday morning, September 24. 2023, at home.

Jerry was born February 4, 1940, in Dighton, Kansas to Jack Lyman and Opal Boyd.  He attended Dighton schools and went on to graduate from Fort Hays University in Hays, Kansas. He earned his Masters at New Mexico State, NM, as an Operations Research Analyst.

Out of college he moved to Alamogordo, NM and started working at the Air Force Missile Development Center at Holloman AFB, NM from 1962 to 1970.  In 1970,

he started working at White Sands Missile Range, NM, until his retirement in 2004.

Jerry was a respected military Operations Research Analyst/mathematician working for the Department of the Army. Over the course of 39 years, he received many accolades and formal recognition.  He led and contributed to teams on groundbreaking projects that were instrumental in advancing our nation's defense systems around the world.  His programming skills and analytical acumen helped develop models that served as the Army's gold standard for the evaluation of weapon and command, control and communications systems for many years.

His friends and coworkers recall many anecdotes testifying to his good nature, generosity and sense of humor, along with his strong work ethic and commitment to excellence. He was on a first name basis with international partners, military commanders and the cooks on Base alike.  His tall stature and deep voice belied a kind man who deeply loved his family, friends and country.

Jerry is survived by the love of his life, Margo Lyman, of 35 years; a sister, Patty

Speer-Palacio of Garden City, Kansas; his grandchildren, Danielle Sutton of Las Cruces, NM, his grandson, Cameron Anderson of Albuquerque, NM, and his granddaughter, Karissa Anderson of Tucson, AZ.   His stepchildren, Clint Anderson of Las Cruces, NM and Dawn Anderson of Albuquerque, NM; a niece, Kim Morrison, of Littleton, CO; nephews Garrett Speer of Garden City, KS and Theron Speer of Oklahoma City, OK.   He was preceded in death by his son, Glenn Lyman and his daughter, Amber Lyman.

He enjoyed coaching for his son's baseball team, betting on the horse races and watching college football.  He was a supporter of New Mexico State University football.

A memorial service will be conducted on Friday, October 13, 2023 at 2PM at Baca's Funeral Home.  At Jerry's request cremation has taken place.

Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapel of Las Cruces and Sunset Crematory, 527-2222. Your exclusive provider for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care." For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com