ALVIN L. LYNES 1930-2004

MELTON, LYNES, GRIFFIN, GAEDE, REEVES, REINTS, KAHL

Posted By: Volunteer
Date: 7/14/2005 at 18:05:15

ALVIN L. LYNES

On January 11, Alvin L. Lynes was called home to his Heavenly Father . Al was born October 24, 1930 in Waverly, Iowa to Leonard Leroy and Lulu Irene (Melton) Lynes. Much of his youth was spent on the family farm near Plainfield, IA where he helped raise registered Ayrshires. He enjoyed playing basketball, baseball, and became an avid golfer. He attended Wartburg College, the University of Northern Iowa and was a graduate of the School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

On January 3, 1950, Al was united in marriage to Arlene Ruth Griffin of Charles City, IA. From this union were born four children, Gregg, Jim, Angie, and Bill.

Al enjoyed many family activities including camping, hunting, and fishing, and played bridge on many occasions. He was active in academics, scouting, and athletics.

In 1948, Mr. Lynes began his banking career with the Farmers Bank in Plainfield and later continued in Cedar Falls and Independence before retiring in 1990 as President of the Kerndt Brothers Savings Bank in Lansing. He returned to banking briefly as a consultant to serve with the Farmers & Merchants Bank of Waukon, retiring permanently in December 1993.

Mr. Lynes held offices on the Plainfield and Independence School Boards and was a member of the Lions Club and Rotary Club. He was named Outstanding Rotarian in 1966-67. He served on the Municipal Light Board in Independence as Secretary/Treasurer and as President. Al was politically interested and active throughout his life.

Mr. Lynes served as a liaison for Franciscan Skemp of La Crosse as a representative of the Thornton Manor Board. He was an advocate for low income housing for the elderly, assisting in the development of housing complexes in Independence and Lansing.

Al was a faithful servant of the Lord and was a lifelong member of the Baptist faith. He was active in Sunday School as a teacher and superintendent, on the board of trustees, as well as a deacon, treasurer, usher and supported numerous spiritual causes. He served on the Iowa Baptist Conference Board for many years.

Mr. Lynes is survived by Arlene, his loving wife of 54 years, sons, Gregg L. (Sue Ann) Lynes of Iowa City, IA, James J. (Cathy) Lynes of Plover, WI, and daughter, Angie R. Lynes of Harrodsburg, KY. He also leaves behind six grandchildren and one step-grandchild. He is additionally survived by one sister, Janet (Ellerman) Gaede of Tripoli, IA, and many nephews and nieces as well as step-brothers, Rick and Royce Reeves, and a stepsister, Roberta Reeves Reints.

Al enjoyed the company of many friends, young and old, and family throughout his lifetime. Alvin was preceded in death by one son, Alvin William "Bill" in 1996, an older sister, Margaret (Mrs. Kenneth) Kahl of Grundy Center in 2001, his parents and a loving stepmother, Myrtle (Randolph Reeves) Lynes.

Friends and family are invited to a visitation for Mr. Lynes on Wednesday, January 14, 2004 between 4:00 and 8:00 p.m. at the Thornburg Hanson Funeral Home in Lansing and one hour prior to the service on Thursday. Services for Mr. Lynes will be held Thursday, January 14, 2004 at 10:30 a.m. at the Center Baptist Church outside of Lansing. Following the reception there, interment will take place at Willow Lawn in Plainfield at 3:30 p.m. Those meeting in Plainfield are asked to wait for the family's arrival at the First Baptist Church in Plainfield prior to proceeding to Willow Lawn.

©Waukon Standard 2004
source: Waukon Standard, Waukon, Allamakee Co. IA, 1/14/2004