Robert Lewis Lynch, age 88, of Brookville, Indiana died peacefully Monday April 8, 2019 surrounded by his family.
Born February 9, 1931 in Evergreen, Alabama, he was the oldest of eight children born to the late Lewis & Cora (Hobbs) Lynch. As a young man he learned farming and logging, and helped his father raise crops using ox and mules. He attended primary school and later in life finished his education and attended college and received his degree in drafting. At the age of 17 he joined the Alabama National Guard, later joining the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. He was never sent overseas because his brothers were deployed and he was needed at home. While in the service he was sent to Camp Atterbury in Edinburgh, Indiana and traveled to Brookville where he met the love of his life and future wife, Shirley Geiling.
Bob and Shirley were married on February 13, 1954 at St. Michael Rectory by Rev. Sweeney. They recently celebrated their 65TH anniversary. This union was blessed with four children, Terry (Tonya) Lynch, Brenda (Jeff) Souders, Roberta (Steve) Haas, Sandy (Don) Kocher; twelve grandchildren, Terra (Matt) Loeffler, Esther Lynch, Felicia Lynch, Cory Lynch, Whitney Souders, Samantha (Mike) Flynn, Kelsey Souders, Chris (Amber) Haas, Lauren (Spencer) Fleck, Kaitlin Kocher, Evan Kocher, and Brett Kocher; they also have 12 great-grandchildren.
In addition to his immediate family, he is survived by two sisters, Elsie Wiggins & Elaine (Donnie) Hodges of Evergreen, Alabama; three brothers, Ray (Ruth) Lynch of Mobile, Alabama, Royce (Ruby) Lynch and Russell (Cindy) Lynch all of Evergreen, Alabama. Four sister-in-laws, Kennie Lynch of Mobile, Alabama, Pat Lynch of Mobile, Alabama; Phyllis Bischoff of Cedar Grove, Indiana, Doris Bischoff of Blooming Grove, Indiana; and a brother-in-law, Richard (Sue) Geiling of Centerville, Indiana; as well as many special nieces, nephews, and cousins that he dearly loved.
Bob was a true southern gentleman, kind, gentle and generous. He was an avid golfer and loved to fish and tell many stories about both. He was known for his humor and tall tales of his childhood growing up poor and living around the swamps of South Alabama. There was always a gator, rattlesnake, or bear wrestling story that only he could tell! He was a woodworker, artist, and guitar player.
He worked at various places throughout his life; and retired from quality control at Philco Ford in Connersville in 1993. He was a member of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Brookville, and the St. Joseph Post #464 of the American Legion, St. Leon.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant grandson, Caleb Souders; as well as two brothers, Rufus Lynch and Roger Lynch.
Family & friends may visit from 4 until 8:00 P.M. on Thursday, April 11, 2019 at Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home, 1025 Franklin Avenue, Brookville.
Rev. Vincent P. Lampert will officiate the Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, April 12, 2019, 10:30 A.M., at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Brookville. Burial with full military graveside honors by the St. Joseph Post #464 of the American Legion will follow in St. Michael Catholic Cemetery in Brookville.
Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Michael the Archangel Church or St. Jude Children’s Hospital. The staff of Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home are honored to serve the Lynch family, to sign the online guest book or send personal condolences please visit www.phillipsandmeyers.com.
Bob’s last wish was that we love the Lord with all our hearts, and that we all get along.
