Rick A. “Fireball” Lynd, age 63 of Batesville, died Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at The Waters of Batesville. Born December 24, 1953 in Anderson, South Carolina, he is the son of Agnes (Nee: Fieler) and John Lynd. He was a member of the Batesville Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #1130 and St. Louis Church.
Many will remember seeing Fireball on his bike and a regular at Batesville football and basketball games. To say he was an avid sports fan would be an understatement. He was a huge Reds, Bengals, Colts, I.U. basketball and Notre Dame football fan, although not much for Purdue sports. He had a passion for NASCAR as well and Jimmy Johnson was his favorite driver. Rick also participated in numerous Special Olympics, winning several gold medals. Always willing to strike up a conversation, he knew just about everyone and certainly never met a stranger. He loved westerns, especially Gun Smoke and enjoyed Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy too. His family felt he was blessed to live in Batesville where friends and neighbors helped look after Rick.
He is survived by brothers Rusty Lynd of Milan, Indiana, Randy Lynd of Richmond, Virginia, Dave Smith of Los Angeles, California, Steve Smith of Bloomington, Indiana, Tim Smith of McAllen, Texas; sister Connie Brunner of St. Mary’s, Indiana and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation is Tuesday, April 18th, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Weigel Funeral Home. Funeral services follow at 11 a.m. at St. Louis Church with Rev. Stan Pondo officiating and burial will be in the church cemetery. The family requests memorials to New Horizons or the Special Olympics.