J.C. Lynn

J.C. Lynn of Cleburne County, Ark., passed away peacefully July 30, 2011 at Baptist Medical Center in Little Rock, Ark., following a brief illness. J.C. Lynn was born Aug. 5, 1928 in Higden, Ark., to William Jesse Lynn and Clarce (Gadberry) Lynn. He was the youngest child of their three children and spent his childhood in the home they built in Higden, which is now covered by Greers Ferry Lake. He graduated from Higden Schools in 1947. In 1948 he married his sweetheart, Connie Cothren. They spent the next 63 years enjoying each others' company, playing cards, listening to music, working in their yard and garden, traveling and generally enjoying their numerous family and friends. J.C. especially loved to be surrounded by youngsters. In his retirement years he could often be found with a grand or great-grandchild relaxing in his recliner watching t.v., listening to music or simply just rocking. He is survived by his loving wife, Connie, who looked after him with tenderness and love throughout their marriage. He also leaves one sister, Montine (Lynn) Langster, two children, Terry Lynn (Rachel) of Heber Springs and Glenda Lynn Benz of Sherwood, as well as four grandchildren: Kelli Benz Hartje, Ginger Lynn Lackey (David), Jesse Benz and Laura Lynn Ivy (Gary). Additionally, he leaves five great-grandchildren (and one on the way!), Hunter Schalchlin, Cooper Schalchlin, Jace Hartje, Erin Hartje, Avery Ivy and Baby Girl Ivy. He was employed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. He began his 30-year career in Little Rock participating in survey work. He was most notably involved in helping to survey and plan each of the five dam projects that helped to shape Arkansas into its current configuration. These include: Bull Shoals, Norfolk, Table Rock, Beaver, and Greers Ferry Lake's. He spent his remaining years as a ranger on Greers Ferry Lake and ultimately retired in a supervisory position. He was most proud of the recognition that he received upon his retirement of not having been sick or tardy in his 30 years of service. This recognition was the summation of J.C's morals and character: if there is a job to be done – get on it and get it done. No sense waiting around. J.C. was preceded in death by both parents, and one sister, Athalene (Lynn) Bradford and other family and friends. Services will be held Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2011 at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Heber Springs. Interment will follow at Cleburne County Memorial Gardens immediately following the service. Visitation will be held Monday, Aug. 1, 2011 at Olmstead Funeral Home from 6 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Lupus Foundation of America or St. Jude's Research Hospital. www.olmstead.cc.