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.
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To me Bill was a larger than life hero. I will dearly miss him always. Bill was a friend to my father and helped keep him alive while flying during the war. Men like Bill are rare in this life.
Bill will be dearly missed. What a wonderful man! I loved listening to his stories about the war & flying planes. In the short amount of time I knew Bill, he made me feel as though we were close family. I feel confident that Bill’s next journey will be filled with all the grace and love he deserves.
Love you and will see you on Thursday.
Lyn
I only had the privilege of meeting Bill a few times, but he will live in my memory as a charming gentleman with a thousand fascinating stories to tell. I am so sorry for the loss you have suffered. My heart and thoughts are with you during this painful time.
I hadn’t visited in several years but I have fond memories of going there and seeing all the beautiful plants and the projects he was working on. My thoughts are with you.
You never think that someone as vibrant as Bill will ever leave this world, but everyone does. It is so very sad that he is gone, but I have some of the most cherished memories of him from my childhood. I loved his gardens, Bill and Janice’s house was so comfortable and cozy. If I recall, my parents told me that he dug out the basement where Janice kept her doll houses. Truly amazing! And the airplane was the best of all. As a kid, I didn’t understand why he had an airplane in a bulding beside his house until many, many years later I got to hear the stories and see the pictures. I was so impressed. Just last year I asked my Dad how hard it would be to fly–like Bill did. He said I probably would not be able to especially since I don’t even know which direction I’m going most of the time! But, I still go by this little tiny airport we have by my workplace and watch the small jet planes, bi-planes, etc. take off and land, and when I do, I always think of him. My condolences go out to the entire family, and especially Janice. Whether she knew it or not, I thought she was one of the neatest and most talented ladies ever–I guess you could say I thought they were both extremely “cool”. Even at 49 years old, I think that word is appropriate still to describe them!! God Bless You All, and I’m pretty sure he’s having a heck of a time flying around in heaven with his old flying buddies. Forever in my prayers, Valerie (Hanna) Judy.
I wanted to share the beautiful poem my daughter, Kellsie, wrote about her great-grandpa Bill. The ring she is referring to in the poem was his class ring from the University of Kansas that he lost. She was pretty little when she found it in the snow one day at the house.
The Day I Had to Say Goodbye
Written by Kellsie Elizabeth Kenyon, great-granddaughter
The day I had to say goodbye,
Was the day I simply wanted to die.
All I could do was cry;
Cry and ask myself why.
This was something I wanted to deny,
This was just one truth I couldn’t apply.
But it’s time to stop being afraid,
It’s about time I learn how to pray.
There’s nothing in this world you could have me trade,
Because you and your memories will simply never fade,
That’s just a part of you that is forever here to stay.
Though, I still wish you could have stayed,
Because it causes me so much pain;
That will be something that will forever remain.
So let me tell you this,
You are who I will hurtfully miss,
But there’s something of you that still exists,
So let us reminisce.
Just listen to what I have to say below;
Remember that time in the snow?
And how it went by oh so very slow.
But never did you know,
That it would be so.
Never the less, I found your ring,
But never did I know,
What else I could bring;
A face with so much glow,
With eyes that just glistened,
I remember how I always just listened.
Story after story,
And how it brought you an everlasting glory.
This will be something I’ll never forget,
Though it still makes me upset,
I know you lived your life without any regret,
Which allows me to never fret,
Even if it is the hardest thing yet.