John A. Tyson, Jr.

John A Tyson Jr passed away peacefully in his home in Lawndale CA after a lifelong struggle with cancer. He was born in Macon, Mississippi to John and Virginia Tyson. He lived in Macon until the family moved to Texas in 1955 and then to Louisiana in 1960. John graduated with honors in 1963 from Broadmoor High School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He went to college at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and received a Masters degree in Electrical Engineering in 1970. During college, he worked two summers as an intern with NASA at Cape Canaveral and New Orleans. Following graduation, John was an engineer for Hughes and Raytheon his entire professional career of 32 years. During his career he was a member of a close team of people responsible for making the TOW(Tube launched, Optical tracked, Wire- guided) missile program a success and he received credit for several patents. While growing up he excelled in academics and music. At age 15 he was first diagnosed with cancer which required treatment through high school and college. The physical effects of that cancer and treatments prevented him from continuing to play the clarinet; however, his love of music continued and he played drum in his high school band and was President of the band club. After moving to CA, he fell in love with the recorder and it was a passion the rest of his life. Early Music was his favorite and he enjoyed performing at renaissance fairs and was a longtime member of local musical groups. Other interests included backpacking, GPSs and IPads. John remained an LSU football fan and was a member of the Southern CA LSU Alumni Association. He is survived by his brother Tom Tyson, sister in law Matie (Crossley)Tyson, sister Ruby Sue Muffoletto, brother in law Gerald Muffoletto, nieces and nephews Gini Tyson, Michelle (Tyson)Cornwell, Todd Muffoletto, Robb Tyson, and Kimberley (Muffoletto)Wilkinson, and 3 grand nieces and a grand nephew. Funeral services are scheduled for 1 pm Saturday, Feb 15th at Cockrell Funeral Home chapel with Bro. Ricky Glenn officiating. Interment will follow at Odd Fellows Cemetery. Cockrell Funeral Home (www.cockrellfuneralhome.com) of Macon is entrusted with the arrangements.