Tom Lynch

Tom G. Lynch, beloved husband, father, and papa, passed away November 17, 2023 at Trego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital in WaKeeney, Kansas.

Tom was born May 5, 1946 to Floyd Eugene and Evelyn Pauline (Pilcher) Lynch in Concordia, Kansas. He graduated in 1964 from Delphos High School. He spent his younger years growing up working on a family farm with his grandparents, Ernest Gaylord and Mary Blanche Lynch. Tragically and at the age of only seven, Tom lost his father to a 1953 motor vehicle accident.

Tom graduated with a bachelor's degree from Kansas State University in 1968. Shortly after having started teaching school in Glasco that following autumn, he asked his sister, Sandy, to set him up with "one of your cute" beauty school friends. So began his life with his wife, Virginia Claussen of Hedville, Kansas. Tom and Virginia were united in marriage February 8, 1969 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Salina, Kansas. To this union were born Carmen Michelle and Darrin Eugene. Tom would later obtain a master's degree from Fort Hays State University.

Tom enjoyed his career as a school educator, administrator, and coach. He began teaching math to fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth graders and coaching junior high sports. He thoroughly enjoyed working with youth and seeing them succeed. Countless hours were spent dedicating his time and energy to ensure everyone received a fair shot of realizing maximum potential. Many will fondly remember "Puppy Basketball" Saturday mornings spent learning the fundamentals. That program was likely instrumental in the numerous championships that would later follow. Tom retired after forty years of dedicated service to the Glasco school system. The leadership legacy Tom left behind is immeasurable. The "Tom Lynch Ripple Effect" lives on through his former students passing the torch as hundreds continue to be the benefactors of his teaching, coaching, and life mentoring.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Frieda Blundred and nephew, Terry Blundred; parents-in-law Virgil (and Thea) Claussen of Salina, Kansas; brother-in-law Larry Utley of Salina, Kansas; and brother-in-law Ron Claussen of Springdale, Arkansas. He is survived by wife, Virginia Lynch (of the home); daughter, Carmen Lynch (and Brian Huffman) of Salina, Kansas; granddaughter, Blair Huffman, of Manhattan, Kansas; son, Darrin (and Tricia) Lynch of WaKeeney, Kansas; sister Sandy Utley of Salina, Kansas; brother Dwight (and Diane) Lister of Chapman, Kansas; brother-in-law Tom (and Mary) Claussen of Beloit, Kansas; sister-in-law Cyndy Claussen of Springdale, Arkansas; sister-in-law Sandra (and John) Hunergarde of Salina, Kansas; brother-in-law Alan Claussen of Salina, Kansas; his aunt, Gayle (and Jim) Francis of Salina, Kansas; and many beloved nieces, nephews, students, and friends.

A private family service will be held. Honoring Tom's lifelong dedication to learning, an endowed scholarship program is being established to support the educational aspirations of north central Kansas students. An event to support the program will be held this coming Spring 2024.