"I just wanted you to kow I am thinking of all of you. Tom was a wonderful person, never a unkind word. I enjoyed our conversations and getting to know a little about the area where our land is. He was such a good historian and he will be greatly missed by many. May he rest in God's comforting hands. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. "
In loving memory of
Thomas J. Lynn
January 17, 2009
Thomas James Lynn was born on November 20, 1930 in rural Shenandoah, the son of James E. and Doris F. (Varley) Lynn. He passed away on Saturday morning January 17, 2009 at the age of 78 years, 1 month, and 27 days.
Tom grew up in rural Fremont County, attended Prairie Glen Country School, and graduated from Shenandoah High School in 1948. In 1951,he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served 4 years in airborne communications. After basic training and schooling he was stationed at Fort McGuire, New Jersey. He was honorably discharged in 1955. During his enlistment, he was united in marriage to Joan Eitzen of Farragut on November 23, 1952 and later they were blessed with three children, Robert Thomas, Teresa Ann, and Karen Marie.
Tom helped neighbors and his father farm until he went into the Air Force. Upon his discharge, he settled on the Lynn home place where he resided until a few weeks before his death. He continued farming until his health failed in December.
Besides farming, he served as a rural mail carrier for six years. He was a lifelong member of the Summit United Methodist Church, Shenandoah American Legion, Fremont County Farm Bureau, Shenandoah Rural Firemen Board, Tarkio Valley Antique Tractor Association and the Massey Collectors Association.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents and an infant sister Mary.
He is survived by his wife Joan of 56 years, children Bob and wife Robin of Farragut; Teresa and husband Mark Simmons of Shenandoah;and Karen and husband David Smissen of Toronto, Ontario; eight grandchildren, Crane, Casa, Chealsee, and Clair Lynn; A.J., Bret and Dustin Simmons; and Thomas Smissen. A sister, Sara Jo and husband Jim Painter of McAlester, Oklahoma. Sister-in-laws, Norma Mann of New Hope,Alabama and Judith Queen of Council Bluffs. Nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives, as well as a host of friends he has made over the years.
Funeral Services were held on Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 10:00 a.m at the Furst United Methodist Church in Shenandoah with Rev. Fred Bryson officiating. Serving at the memorial register were Carol Jones and Fran Tyner, while Beth Keep and Gwen Whitehill cared for the flowers. Ushers for the service were Wesley Hart, Gordon Jones, Orville Keep, Dick Phipps, Gerald Walters and Duane Whitehill. The congregation, accompanied by Pat Tillman joined in singing "The Old Rugged Cross" and "How Great Thou Art". Curtis Athen, Roger Jones, Larry Lauman, Jeff McCoy, J.F. McQueen and Gary Walter served as casket bearers. Honorary Casket Bearers were Tom's Air Force Fifth Interceptor Squadron Buddies and all of his dear friends and relatives. Burial followed in the Rose Hill Cemetery.
Memorials may be directed to the Summit United Methodist Church, the American Cancer Society for Melanoma Research, or to the Shenandoah Fire Department.
Tributes
"My deepest sympathy to all of Tom's family and friends. You are in my prayers and thoughts. Tom was such a wonderful person and he will be missed by all who had the honor of knowing him. I pray that time will soften the pain of your loss and may the memories and love comfort your hearts. God bless. Love from Bev & Steve Totten"
"Dear Joan, Bob, Teresa and Karen and family, It is with a sad heart that I write to you to express my sympathy in the loss of your husband and father. Tom brought much love and joy to everyone he knew. I only met him a few times and he always was so open and friendly and extremely kind. May all of your fond memories, your friends, family and faith bring you comfort and peace. Sincerely, Nancy and Gary Young Wilmington, Delaware"
"Bob,Robin and Crane, Casa, Chealsee and Clair We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to you and the entire Lynn Family. I know your Dad/Poppy will be greatly missed by all of you. You are in our thoughts and prayers."
"I was saddened to see the notice of Tom's death. He was such a ray of sunshine when he came to the Extension Office and we could visit about his old school teacher Lillian Hein. My thoughts are with you all."
"Dear Lynn Family, I am so sorry to hear about Tom. I know that my folks would have wanted to be there, but since they are unable to, Lenny (my brother) will represent us and pass on our thoughts and prayers."
"Joan and family, Sorry to hear of Toms passing and just wanted you to know you're in our thoughts and prayers.... Love, Randy & Sharon"
"We are thinking of you and all of the Lynn family.Our thoughts are with you. d"
"Lynn Family: On behalf of the Shenandoah Fire Department I would like to extend our sincere sympathy on the passing of Thomas. I met him when he was on the rural fire board and he was always a pleasure to work with. Thank you for thinking of us in regard to his memorials and my God give you comfort during this difficult time. Sincerely, Steve Hoefing Shenandoah Fire Chief"
"Dear Joann, Bob, Theresa, and Karen, Please accept my condolences. Tom was a great person and an excellent role model. I always enjoyed speaking to him in church. He will be missed by me and everyone in the Summit community. Karla"
"To the family of Tom Lynn - Just want you to know how very sad I am to learn of Tom's passing. I hadn't seen him for several years, but want you all to know how much I enjoyed his friendship over the many years that we were around each other. Of course, Joan has been a dear friend for over 60 years and I offer my deepest sympathy and condolences. May God Bless You all. sincerely, Lu"
"Dear Joan and Family, We express our heartfelt sympathy to each of you. Tom was a great guy and he will be truly missed. It was good to see and visit with him at the reunion in September. Sincerely, Dean and Natalie Ray"
"Dear Lynn Family: Sorry to hear of Tom's passing. He fought a long hard fight and though he lost his life he now has a new life in Jesus. Thinking of you and praying for strength and peace for all. God's love and blessings- Joan Lynn Bird"
"I am so sorry to hear about Tom but we all know that he is in a better place now. He had a wonderful life and has the a family to prove it. Tom was one of my favorite customers. He was a very caring and loving person. I always loved hearing one of his stories :). I know it will be hard not to have him around but just remember all the great memories that we have. I am thinking of your family through these tough times and you are all in my prayers. If there is anything that I can help with, please let me know. Joan...that means you can come visit me or even have lunch sometime. Love, Julie "
"Joan, Bob, and the rest of Tom's Family, I am very saddened to learn today of Tom's passing. I didn't get to see Tom very often, but I have very fond memories of those times we did get to visit. Tom will be missed by all of the Massey family. It doesn't look like I will be able to make it out for the funeral, so I will not be able to share my heart felt condolences with you in person. Please accept them through the printed media, along with all of my warm thoughts for the rest of the family. Sincerely, John Bush"
"We were so sorry to hear of Tom's death today. We are in Kansas and on our way to Texas for a couple months, so will not be able to attend the servies. Cheryl Harms called us this morning. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. "