William “Bill” Joseph Lynch

Bill Lynch, of Shawnee, Kansas, passed away January 23, 2010, at his home, with his wife nearby.

Bill was born April 8, 1924, in Kansas City, Missouri, the son of Frank Owen and Ruth Kell Lynch. Bill served as a 1st Lieutenant in WWII in the US Army Air Forces 385th BG as a co-pilot on a B-17 bomber. He earned a B.S. in Business from the US Army Air Forcesin 1950. Bill retired from the Atomic Energy Commission in 1978.

His life accomplishments were colorful and numerous. Bill is probably most well known for building his own open cockpit biplane in his home garage, which he went on to fly for many years. Bill had many adventurous flights, including two flights to Alaska. He even appeared on the Art Linkletter Show. Bill's award winning landscaping has been enjoyed by so many over the years. Bill and Janice traveled all over the United States including Alaska and Canada together.

Bill will be fondly remembered for his love of the outdoors, flying, and his unwavering love for his family. Bill truly never knew a stranger, whether you were a neighbor or an acquaintance at a restaurant or store, Bill went out of his way to get to know you. Bill has been such an inspiration to so many and has touched so many lives. Everyone who saw just even a glimpse of Bill and Janice together knew their love for one another was out of this world. Bill and Janice are the textbook definition everlasting love. The impact he has made on his wife, children and grandchildren cannot be put into words. He was admired by everyone he met and will be greatly missed.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers Frank Owen Jr., John Paul and James and his sisters Mary Louise and Jane. Survivors include his wife and soul-mate of 60 years, Janice; his daughter, Cheryl; his granddaughters Kimberly and her husband Scott Kenyon and Catherine Coon; his great-grandchildren Mande and her husband David Onwiler, Kellsie, Cassondra, Christen, Tyler, Catie and Christopher; his great-great-grandchildren Mackenzie and Skylar; his brothers Thomas and Robert and his sister Helen and their families.

In lieu of flowers, you may honor Bill’s memory with a donation to the American Diabetes Association.

Visitation

A visitation celebrating Bill's life will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, January 28, 2010, at Amos Family Chapel of Shawnee.