Thomas Harlor Obituary

Harlor

Thomas Lyle

Harlor

January 22, 1927

August 21, 2021



Thomas Lyle Harlor passed away on August 21, 2021 at the age of 94. Lyle was born on January 22, 1927, in Barwin, IL to Thomas Edward and Geneva May Harlor.



He graduated first in his class from high school at age 17 and attended DePauw University on a full-ride Rector scholarship. He left college at age 18 when drafted into the Navy for WWII, where he was trained as a radar technician (which luckily was a land-based naval job since he never learned to swim).

When WWII ended, Lyle returned to DePauw, graduating Phi Beta Kappa with degrees in both math and physics. He pursued graduate work at Indiana University until he was recruited for the top-secret Operation Ivy project. This first full-scale hydrogen bomb is featured on the April 12, 1954 cover of Time Magazine. Following the successful detonation and accompanying radiation exposure, Lyle lit up classrooms for a while as a faculty member at the University of Denver.

In 1963, he began his career at NORAD in Colorado Springs as an operations analyst. Here he strategized during the cold war to help us reach "detente" with the Russians without using the Operation Ivy arsenal he helped develop.

Lyle was a lifelong Methodist and met his wife of 52 years, Joan L. (Wilkins) Harlor at a church mixer. They were married on June 27, 1953. Joan passed away July 2, 2005. He is survived by their three children: David L. Harlor (Florence), Gail D. Nuth (Richard), and Karen J. Galambos (James), eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Lyle is also survived by his second wife, Pamela (Wing Peirce) "Pammy" Harlor, whom he met at church as well. (Evidently, for Lyle, church was a great place to meet women). They wed on May 23, 2006, and were married 15 years prior to his passing.

Lyle's life was dedicated to education and scientific discovery. He also exemplified a commitment to service by judging science fairs, building Habitat for Humanity houses, participating on church committees, and volunteering for Warren Village work projects. He was generous with his tithe as well as his time. He made a difference. And he will be missed.

Due to medical and travel concerns related to the current public health crisis, Lyle's children and grandchildren are avoiding large indoor gatherings at this time. However, Pammy will be hosting an in-person service and reception for all who feel comfortable at Sunrise United Methodist Church (2655 Briargate Parkway, Colorado Springs, CO 80918) on Sat., Sept. 11 at 10:00 a.m. The service will be streamed live on the Sunrise UMC Facebook page.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to Sunrise United Methodist Church or Warren Village, 1323 Gilpin St, Denver, CO 80218.