Dan Thomas Lynch

Mr. Dan Thomas Lynch, 94, of Corning died April 25, 2015 at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro. Mr. Lynch was born to Elizabeth Smith Lynch and Calvin Earl Lynch in Memphis, Tenn., February 14, 1921. He was raised in Mississippi County, attended school in Wilson until his Senior Year where he went to Mississippi Heights Academy, a boarding repertory school for college, where he graduated. He attended the University of Arkansas and then transferred to Arkansas State University where he was a member of Kappa Sigma Nu Fraternity and a member of the ASU Indian football team. When WWII began in 1941, Lynch got to stay in school because he was enrolled in ROTC. He went out on campus and recruited enough students to finish the football season since so many men had been sent to the army there were not enough to field a team. The team played 5 games, scored one touchdown that was called back on a penalty and then ended the season. Lynch graduated from ASU in 1942 and entered the Army as a commissioned officer from the ROTC program. While at ASU he met his future wife, Mary Ruth Byars at a college dance. They were married Dec. 11, 1943 at Ft. Bragg, N. C. during the war and were married for 68 years. Lynch spent a year in Germany flying recognizance missions and was honorable discarded as a Captain. A resident of Corning for 66 years, Mr. Lynch was co-owner of a Chevrolet and Pontiac Dealership. He was the oldest member of the First Baptist Church where he had served as a trustee, Sunday School Superintendent, teacher of a young adult means Sunday school class for many years and also served on various church committees. Also active in the community Mr. Lynch served as President of the Corning Chamber of Commerce, on its board, he was a one time member of the Corning City Council, was Little League Commissioner when the new ballpark Lillard Field was built in Corning. He was a member of the Young Mens Civic Club, Lions Club, Kiwanis Club and served as 4th of July Picnic chairman in 1957. This past 4th of July he was honored by the city to be the Grand Marshal of the Coring 4th of July Parade. He was actively involved in all his two daughters' activities throughout their school years and attended all his grandson's sporting and academic events throughout his life. He was privileged to attend his grandson's high school, college, law school and masters in law school graduation from the University of Arkansas. He was affectionately known as Dan to his grandson and all his grandson's friends. He was an avid supporter of all Corning High School athletics. Mr. Lynch always had a smile for everyone and loved people and his family. In years past he and his wife traveled extensively and spent many winters in Florida with his family and friends. He is survived by his daughters, Dana and Fred Brown of Corning, Patricia and Jim Dixon of Tampa, Fla., his grandson, Brandy and Kelli Brown and great-grandchildren, Ainsley and Witt Brown. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Ruth, and his four brothers, Sonny, Maurice, Gilbert and Claude Lynch. Visitation for Mr. Lynch will be from 11:30 to 1 p.m Tuesday, April 28, at the First Baptist Church. A Celebration of Life will begin at 1 p.m. at the church with The Reverend Charles Lewis, former pastor and personal friend of Mr. Lynch's, presiding. Mrs. Janet Moore will be providing music for the service at Mr. Lynch's request. Pallbearers will be Truman Moore, Dick Walls, H. Albert Brown, Larry Green, Trey Neblett, III, and Tripp Pittman. Honorary pallbearers will be his Sunday School Class, Cliff Gifford, Thad Clark, and Amos Baker, also serving as honorary will be F. B. Manatt, Bill Luter, Jim Holland, Ralph Crafton, J.H. Ermert, Mark Smith, and Mike Smith. Memorials may be made to Flo & Phil Hospice House, 400 East St., Jonesboro 72401, First Baptist Church, 701 W. 3rd St., Corning 72422, or St. Jude's Children's Hospital, P.O. Box 1000 Dept 142, Memphis, Tenn. 38101-9908. Online condolences: www.ermertfuneralhome.com.