Gary "The Good Guy" Lynn

Gary  "The Good Guy"  Lynn, 65, of Belleville, Illinois, born Friday, July 12, 1946, in Marston, MO, died Friday, September 9, 2011 at Barnes Hospital, St. Louis, MO.

Gary received Masters of Education degrees, one from the University of Illinois and another from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.  

Gary retired after 38 years as a high school special education teacher for the East St. Louis School District #189, where he also started and coached the golf team.  He also worked for 35 years at CBS/Fox Sports as a spotter/statistician where he was able to participate in two of his passions, football and baseball.  He was a past board member, baseball and basketball coach at District #175 and also a Khoury League baseball coach for numerous years.   He was an avid golfer and sport enthusiast.  "The Good Guy" had many valuable and loyal friends on both sides of the river and throughout the country who will miss him terribly.  

He was preceded in death by his:

  • Parents: Hubert and Gertrude (nee Tomlinson) Lynn


Surviving are his:

  • Daughter: Karen M. Lynn of Belleville, IL
  • Son: Rob Lynn of Belleville, IL
  • 2 Brothers:  
    • John  (Jo Ellen) Lynn of Belleville, IL
    • Richard (Susan ) Lynn of O'Fallon, IL
  • 3 Sisters:
    • Jane (Dave) George of Fairview Heights, IL
    • Beth (Bob) Prokopf of Collinsville, IL
    • Nancy (Randy) Blevins of Medina, OH
  • Granddaughter: Jesse Lynn, daughter of Rob Lynn, who he adored.
  • And multiple nieces and nephews.


A special thank you to Bart and Glenda Bridges, Jan Noble, Nannette Vas and the physicians, nurses and staff at Barnes Hospital Intensive Care Units.

Memorials:  Memorials may be made to the East St. Louis District #189 Golf Team or to S.A.V.E.

Visitation:  Friends may call from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm Wednesday, September 14, 2011 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, IL.

Funeral:  Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Thursday, September 15, 2011 at Kurrus Funeral Home with Rev. Larry Patton officiating. Private interment will be held.

Condolences left for Gary "The Good Guy" Lynn:

    I shall miss my friend Gary Lynn . He was really a "Good Guy". My sympathy to all his family and loved one's.

    Dan L. Jenkins Pensacola Florida 32504


    Karen, So sorry for the loss of your dad.Deepest sympathy to all of your family

    Christie Scher Belleville Il 62223


    To Gary's family.....I went to East Side with Gary and although wasn't able to hang out with him much since our high school days, I ran into him over the years at various sports related activities. It's hard to believe that Gary has left us at such a really young age. It's impossible to believe that such a "GOOD GUY" had to go so soon. Lately I've sadly lost 4 friends and acquaintances and it makes me feel sorrow beyond words. You are in my prayers! Good bye Gary and thanks for the great memories!!
    Rodney Bruner


    Rodney Bruner Troy Ill. 62294


    Karen and Family,
    We are so sorry for your loss. We followed his progress with such hopes and prayers. He fought a lenghy battle and he truly left a legacy of deeds and friends who will miss him.


    Bill and Cindy Evans Swansea IL 62226


    The worls has lost a great person. And all those who knew him lost a great friend. To his family my prayers are with you.
    He was a great example of what a person and a friend should be in our lives.
    Will miss you. God bless
    Duke


    Ken "Duke" Duchnowski Belleville IL 62223


    Karen, your dad is one of those people I had hoped would live forever. I met him when he was going through a rough personal time and he never complained, he never was mean, he never felt sorry for himself. He was always cheerful and gracious. He inspired me and inspires me still. He worked for a school district that isn't one of the elite ones and for children that aren't the easy ones and he never waivered in his loyalty to them. He was smart, funny and he treated everyone like they were his good friend. Truly a class act. You are like him, Karen. My heart goes out to you and my thoughts are with you.

    Liz Crook Belleville IL 62220


    Jan, So sorry for your loss. You have a wonderful family that will help ease some of your pain. May God help you in this very rough time. The Scher Family

    Christie Scher Belleville il 62223


    Karen & Rob, Good Guy Gary will be missed. I have had the pleasure of being his friend and co-worker. The ROE will not be the same. Thank you Good Guy for all your jokes and laughs you brought to me and to the Regional Office of Education. I won't be UGLY Good Guy! Rest in peace.

    Jan Lacey Belleville IL 62223


    Karen, I'm so sorry for your loss. From knowing his daughter, I know Gary was truly something special. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

    Carla Storm Luther St. Louis Missouri 63139


    To Gray's family and friends, I want to say how very sorry I am for your loss. I have had the pleasure of working with Gary for the past year and I will truely miss him; he was always the life of the party. My prayers be with you.

    Kim Gehrke Vandalia IL 62471


    Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you. In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always as a member of the East Side Flyers Family.

    Carlos E. Ward Sr. East St. Louis IL 62205


    My deepest sympathy to the family of Gary. He was always friendly to everyone.

    Jewell Owens Fairview heights IL. 62208


    Karen, We are so sorry for your loss. Praying for God's comfort for you and your family.

    Russ and Gloria Belleville il 62223


    Dearest Karen,

    I am so sorry to hear about your dad's death, and I would like to share a poem with you. This poem was sent to me when Granny died and it a little easier to say so long for now.

    To Those I Love and Those Who Love Me.

    When I am gone, release me, let me go. I have so many things to see and do. You must'nt tie yourself to me with tears, be thankful for our beautiful years.

    I gave you my love, you can only guess, how much you gave to me in happiness. I thank you for the love you have shown but now it's time I traveled on alone.

    So grieve awhile for me, if gieve you must then let your grief be comforted by trust. It's only for a time that we must part. So, bless the memories within your heart.

    I won't be far away, for life goes on. So, if you need me, call, and I will come though you can't see or touch me, I'll be near. If you listen with your heart, you'll hear all my love around you soft and clear.

    And then, when you must come this way alone, I'll greet you with a smile, and say:

    Welcome Home!

    Thinking of you, Gin


    VIRGINIA BERSCHE WATERLOO IL 62298


    My condolences to the Lynn family. Gary will truly be missed by many. He was always upbeat and friendly. I got to know Gary when I was Superintendent in E. Saint Louis. He was dedicated to his students and to the District. I love having conversations with him, he always found a positive. We also worked together at the ROE, he can never be replaced. He was a "GREAT GUY".

    Dr. Nate Anderson


    Nate Anderson Belleville Illinois 62223


    I will always remember meeting and getting to know Gary. He was unique and just a pleasure. Once he meet and got to know you he never forgot anything about you or your family. I never bumped into Gary when he didn't ask about my children. He had a way of making you feel special. I will miss his sense of humor and wit.

    Mike Degener Columbia Illinois 62236


    Dear Karen , i am so sorry to hear of the loss of your dad . In time , may you find peace in your heart. cherish all of your wonderful memories of him and know that so many friends are with you in thought and prayer .. you are loved Karen .
    My deepest sympathy , Nancy Peterson


    Nancy Peterson Belleville IL. 62223


    It is with great sadness that I have recieved the news of Gary's passing. I have worked with him over many years at FOX Baseball and Football events.
    He was the very definition of his nickname "Good Guy". Condolences to his son Robbie who I have watched grow up and all of his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
    I would like to also publically offer a special thanks to Mitch Smith who kept us all updated on our friend Gary throughout.


    Mark Zguro NYC NY 10310


    Gary was the best! Worked with him at fox with Sam Rosen,,he made every game fun,,,I miss him already,,Jerry Glanville

    Jerry Glanville dawsonville Georgia 30534


    Karen, we know how much you adored your father. We are all so sorry for your loss. We are here if you need us. Hugs and kisses!

    Jamie Case and the Gateway Pet Guardians' Family St. Louis MO 63118


    We the Board of Directors, staff and children of Hazel Bland Promise Center are deeply saddened by the death of your loved one.
    Gary's life was full as he dedicated all of his energy to special needs children.
    May the work you have done, speak for you and hold precious memories forever.
    You will be missed.
    Sorrowfully Submitted,
    The Hazel Bland Promise Center children, staff and Board of Directors.
    Joyce Williams
    Director


    Joyce A. Williams East St. Louis IL 62205


    Gary was a wonderful person. In the broadcasting business you meet all kinds of people. And I can't think of anyone who I enjoyed seeing more, and being with, than Gary. When he was on one of our games, he treated everyone-regardless of their role-with kindness. He always had a smile. He always had a kind word. Anyone who ever worked with him remembers him. He wasn't just a "Good Guy", he was the Best Guy, and I am glad we were friends.

    Kevin Harlan Mission Hills Kansas 66208


    Karen, Rob, and Family: Please accept my deepest sympathies on Gary's recent passing. I knew Gary and Carol for many years. Gary indeed had a ready smile and kind word for people. God bless you and yours.

    Frank T. Babka belleville il. 62226


    Along with many others who are proud to say they were friends with Gary, I worked with him on NFL games, and got to be one of "his guys." I was a rookie on the road in 1995, and Gary showed me the ropes... it couldn't have been more than a few minutes after we met that I understood why he was and always will be known as "The Good Guy." With a style all his own, he truly knew how to look out for his friends - we'll do the same for him by keeping the happy memories alive.

    Ethan D Cooperson Chicago IL 60647


    To the Lynn Family, and Nannette. Walt & I were so sad to hear about Gary. We had a great time at Yankee's spring training in Tampa with Gary & Nannette. He will be remembered fondly. I wish you all strength during this sad time.

    Cathy & Walt Cohen Chicago IL 60631


    To the Lynn Family:
    I am truly sorry for your loss.
    I worked closely with Gary at the ROE office. He was such a joy to be around, always an up beat guy. Gary will truly be missed. He was definitely a "Good Guy".


    Tijuana Macon Belleville IL 62220


    I Knew Gary for 35 years. I am so Sorry I did not know of his passing. I Knew his Uncle John Swan. We had many good times. RIP Gary !!

    Darrell Feck Tulsa OK 74012