Lynn Ryburn Laughlin Obituary (1942 - 2023)

Lynn Ryburn Laughlin, 81, ascended home to Heaven on July 11, 2023, at 6:55 AM surrounded in love and unity by a network of family and friends that stretches around the globe. Lynn was born on June 24, 1942, the middle son of Pastor Ernest E. and Naomi (McFadin) Laughlin in Massillon, Ohio. Destined for lifelong ministry, Lynn grew up in Springfield, Illinois, where the Laughlin family served as a pillar of West Side Christian Church leadership. On June 1, 1979, Lynn wed the love of his life, Lois Evelyn Whitlatch, at Jefferson Street Chrisitan Church in Lincoln Illinois. Lynn and Lois were blessed with 44 years of love and partnership. Accomplished professionally and academically, Lynn is a proud graduate of Lincoln Christian College (later Lincoln Christian University) where he distinguished himself on Student Cabinet and the basketball court under the mentorship of Coach "Doc" Henderson. Lynn devoted the next 56 years of his life in service to Lincoln Chirstian University. Among the roles he fulfilled were Basketball Coach, Athletic Director, Professor of New Testament and Physical Education, Director of Student Services, Dean of Men, Director of Recruitment, Dayspring and Camp Teams, Vice President of Student Development, Vice President of Alumni Services, Hall of Fame Inductee, and Special Assistant to the President. From Lincoln Christian, he holds a Bachelor in Preaching, Masters in New Testament and Honorary Doctor of Divinity. Lynn also obtained a bachelor's and master's in physical education from Millikin University and Illinois State University, respectively. In 2017, Lynn was honored as the only member of faculty or staff to serve over a half century with Lincoln Christian. Also, a long-time leader in Rotary International and multi-term president of the Rotary Club of Lincoln, Illinois, Lynn is the recipient of the Paul Harris Award, Rotary's highest honor. In truth, Lynn's legacy is people. Lynn served throughout his life as a minister - guest preaching and officiating at hundreds of baptisms, weddings and funerals for generations of families, friends and alumni. Among many extraordinary gifts was Lynn's masterful recall of faces, names, and details that conveyed to each person his genuine care and ability to be present in each moment. A man of integrity and humility, he nurtured thousands of personal friendships and influenced tens of thousands of lives through a genuine love and spirit of inclusion of people from all walks of life. He was an ageless energy, fueled by connection with people, inspiring, belonging, laughter and spiritual self-reflection. For many, Lynn represented the essence of Christian character. He is known and remembered as an irreplaceable coach, mentor, colleague, uncle, brother, father, husband and friend. We remember his easy smile and constant humor, his full-throated laughter and resounding singing voice, the gleam in his eyes, and his abiding devotion to Cardinals baseball. At the center of the worldwide fellowship of people who cherish Lynn's memory are wife Lois of Tower Hill, Illinois, brother David (Jeanie) Laughlin, son Stephen (Jeannie) Laughlin of Lindenhurst, Illinois. Daughters Melissa (Kevin) Fry of Springfield, Illinois, and Tasha (Kevin) Palzkill of Reno, Nevada, daughter Sarah Laughlin and son Marty Laughlin of Tower Hill, Illinois. Grandchildren: Colin, Kendra, Tori, Allie, Josie, Jackson, and Rilee and 1 great-grandchild. Lynn was preceded in death by his beloved parents and brother, Kirby. We are comforted in knowing that if Lynn could have so much impact with just eight decades on Earth, imagine what is possible now that he is reunited with his Creator and on the timeline of The Eternal. Private family Services are to be held with burial following at Eiler Cemetery, Shelby County. A public Memorial Service will be held at Lincoln Christian University at a later date, with more details to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tower Hill Christian Church and Lincoln Christian University Laughlin Scholarship. Friends are encouraged to leave a memory or message of condolence by visiting mdfh.com McCracken-Dean Funeral Home, Pana, is assisting the family.