Obituaries

September 25, 1954 to October 9, 2022

ROCHESTER – Edwin James “Ed” Lynch Jr., 68, of Winamac passed away at 4:45 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 9, at his home, surrounded by his family. This followed a brave and valiant battle with cancer.

He was born Sept. 25, 1954 in Albuquerque, NM to Edwin James Sr. and Cecilia Mondragon Lynch. Growing up he shared his childhood with a sister and brother. Answering the call of patriotism, he joined the U. S. Air Force, following in the footsteps of his father. One of his first assignments was at Luke Air Force Base in Phoenix. He met the sister of his best friend while deployed and it was love for both of them at first sight. He married Terri L. Hamman at Luke Air Force Base on Oct. 14, 1978. She passed away Dec. 29, 2018.

Ed Lynch Jr.

Surviving are his wife Bonnie Lynch; two daughters, Shannon Cook and husband Micah of Winamac, Heather Grisel and husband Joell of Westfield; three sons, Kyle Lynch and wife Sue of Colorado Springs, CO, Eddie Lynch III of Winamac, Sean Lynch of Carmel; eight grandchildren, Brayden, Kamryn, Rylan, Maddox, Avery, Sofia, Carter, Ava Mae; brother Jon Lynch of California; several nephews; and Wrigley, the granddog.

Preceding him in death are his parents, and sister Rosemary Lynch.

Together, Ed and Terri shared four decades of life's adventures and were proud parents of five children. He retired after 20 years of service. Most of his service stints included surveillance on the AWACS or as an instructor. Over the years his commitments to his country provided him the ability to travel the world, traveling to more than 30 countries. While stationed overseas Ed and his family explored Europe together, exploring various European cultures and history. He retired on Nov. 1, 1996 as a Technical Sergeant. He was an American patriot, very proud of his service.

An entrepreneur after returning to the area in 1996, Ed and Terri owned and operated EJ’s Flooring, a locally owned flooring business in Winamac. A huge sports enthusiast, he owned a unique collection of sports memorabilia, including trading cards. His favorite team was the University of Southern California Trojans. He also liked the look, speed and power of muscle cars. He was an accomplished poker player, experiencing success on several occasions. As the patriarch of the Lynch family, Grandpa Ed was proud of his family and loved to brag about his kids and grandkids who adored him. He was always there courtside, at the ball fields, attending school concerts and academic competitions to cheer everyone on offering his support, spirit and enthusiasm. At home he looked forward to getting together for the holidays and special family celebrations.

With respect to Mr. Lynch’s wishes, his life celebration will be private. Military honors will be conducted by the Fulton County Veteran’s Honor Guard and the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Memorials may be made to Wounded Warriors Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675-8517 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 1893, Memphis, TN 38101-9950.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Good Family Funeral Home, Rochester.