Melvin B. Lynn

Melvin B. Lynn

Funeral services for Melvin B. Lynn, 84, of Chickasha, Okla., are pending with Sevier Funeral Home.

Melvin B. Lynn was born Dec. 1, 1919, in Ada, Okla., and died on Friday, May 28, 2004, in Chickasha.

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Melvin B. Lynn

Melvin B. Lynn has once again been obedient to the voice of his Lord and Savior. In the midst of his greatest personal suffering, God beckoned Melvin to cease his struggle and allow the angels to carry his soul home. Although Melvin deeply regretted leaving Ruby -- his dear wife of 64 years -- behind, he answered God's call on May 28, 2004.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil B. and Ora Auten Lynn, two brothers, Harold C. Lynn and John W. Lynn, and one sister, Annette L. Tankersley. Survivors include his wife, Ruby B. Lynn, one sister, Melvina J. Tackett, two sons, A. Bryan Lynn and wife Linda of Cement, Oklahoma, Virgil B. Lynn and wife Anita of North Richland Hills, Texas, daughter Carolynn Elliott and husband Donald of Chickasha, Oklahoma, 9 grandchildren: Bryan Lynn and wife Diana, Tracy Williford and husband Scott, Greg Elliott and wife Paige, Corry Elliott and wife Keri, Kerry Lynn, Jared Lynn, John, Katy and Carson Lynn, and 14 great grandchildren: Jeffrey, Jamie and Jacob Lynn, Kaylynn, Kolin and Kyra Williford, Ian and Abby Elliott, Tristan, Logan and Ethan Elliott, Devin Pinkston, Brittany and Seth Dirickson.

Melvin was born on December 1, 1919, in Ada, Oklahoma. On January 6, 1940, he married Ruby Buckalew and, together, they created a loving Christian home in which they raised their three children, tenderly teaching them to know and trust in Jesus Christ. Melvin was a committed man of prayer who rose early each day to cover his family in prayer for their healing and God's protection. He mentioned every member, even extended family and friends, by name and asked God's direction in each of their lives. The prayers of this dedicated man have turned many a bad circumstance around for good in the lives of those for whom he prayed.

Melvin was not only devoted to God and to his family, he was also dedicated to his country. He believed that it was his duty to protect this nation and its people, including his family in Chickasha. Although he had a wife and young child at the time World War II began, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps where he served from July 15, 1943, to September 10, 1945.

Following the war, Melvin enrolled in the N.Y.A. trade school to become a machinist. He served his machinist apprenticeship at Badgett's Machine Shop and also worked at Chickasha Iron Works. From 1959-1962, he served as a letter carrier for the Chickasha Post Office. In 1962, he began working as a machinist at F.A.A. in Oklahoma City. While at F.A.A., he was consistently chosen to work on the most tedious jobs that required exact precision. Melvin retired from F.A.A. in January 1980.

In 1976, Melvin and Ruby proudly opened the Lynn Natural Health Food Center. As with everything in their lives, they dedicated the new business to the Lord and watched it prosper. Concerned about the health of their customers, it was not unusual to see Melvin lay his hand on people and pray for their needs. They passionately ran the business for 25 years until their health began to fail. Today their son Bryan and daughter, Carolynn, are now running the store, working together to keep their father's dream alive.

Melvin had vivid memories of life in Chickasha and contributed five articles, entitled "Childhood Memories," which were published in the Chickasha Star in April and May of 1992, during the city's centennial year. The articles are full of Chickasha's history based on his memories, as a young man, of daily living and working in the city. Melvin, himself, is a unique part of Chickasha's rich history. For many years he has consistently participated in Veteran's Day, Memorial Day, and Independence Day parades and ceremonies proudly dressed in his Marine dress blues uniform, complete with white hat and gloves. He was often called upon to be in command of military or patriotic ceremonies at his church, which included presenting and posting the colors, the American and Christian flags, and calling out the cadence and commands. He was a life-time member of the local Disabled American Veterans chapter, in which he served as commander and as chaplain, and also as the state department chaplain.

Melvin B. Lynn was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who thanked God each day for his family. He loved to share the special memories he had with each family member over and over again throughout the years -- and each memory was always followed by his unique chuckle and familiar shake of his head. Whether we were together as a family, or were just one-on-one with him, he always made a point to hold our hands and ask for God to protect us and meet every need before we parted. We, his children and grandchildren, will truly miss this compassionate man of God. A home-going service to celebrate the life of Melvin B. Lynn will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, June 4, 2004, at the First Assembly of God Church, 3340 South 16th Street in Chickasha.

Memorials: The family has requested memorials be made to the Royal Ranger program at First Assembly of God Church, Chickasha.

Sevier Funeral Home.