A dynamic voice has been silenced on Earth but welcomed to Heaven''s Glory. Reverend Fred L. Lynn, pastor, evangelist, broadcaster, Missouri Legislator, Holy Land Host, outstanding family man, mentor, counselor, and friend to many heard his Master''s call and departed Earth on March 31, 2012 surrounded by his family after almost twelve months of courageously battling medical issues including hip fracture and stroke complications.
Fred Lowell Lynn was born March 8, 1924 in Vera Cruz, Missouri (Douglas County) and graduated from Nixa High School followed by many additional studies and training at Draughons University, ABC Radio School (Seattle, Washington), Baptist Bible College, Moody Bible Institute and additional correspondence courses.
Fred was preceded in death by his first wife and faithful helpmate and mother of their two daughters, Opal Claretta (Trantham) Lynn of 54 plus years, his parents, Fred and Edith, two brothers, Dale and J.H., son-in-law, Richard Haver, and step-son, Scott Beshears, four brothers-in law, and three sisters-in-law.
Fred is presently survived by his beloved wife, Duna (Beshears) Lynn of seven plus years, daughters Judith Ann Haver, Springfield and Melinda Jo Massey and her husband Bill; granddaughters Meredith Lynn Massey and Morgan Taylor Massey all of Edmond, Oklahoma; one brother-in-law, four sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends.
Over the years it has been noted that Fred had three lives being broadcaster, minister, and politician and he was superb in all.
His broadcasting years on KGBX, KCMO (Marshall, Missouri), KWTO, KWFC, and KLFJ put him in touch with country music stars on his Hillbilly Heaven program and work with the Ozark Jubilee. His Songs of Sunday and Gospel Gold programs had faithful listeners throughout the Ozarks.
His ministry that spanned over 50 years began in 1958 teaching an Adult Sunday School class of 300 at High Street Baptist Church. He was ordained to the ministry March 4, 1962 while pastoring Victory Baptist Church. He was the founding pastor of Glendale Baptist Church. Following were pastorates at Corinth Baptist Church (Cassville, Missouri), Brookline Baptist Church, and Pythian Avenue Baptist Church. He also worked with the Boosters Ministry (Seniors) at Broadway Baptist Church and served as an interim pastor at Boulevard Baptist Church. A very special ministry and passion of his life was leading 26 tours to the Holy Land and seeing the transformations in peoples'' lives walking in the steps of Jesus. Another ministry dear to his heart was Children''s Church at various pastorates featuring Jesus Loves Me theme and gold dollars given to the children on their birthdays.
Fred served the Missouri State Legislature as representative for North Springfield from 1974-1988. He spent many hours researching and preparing for committee meetings striving to improve the lives of Springfield constituents. He served six years as Chairman of Tourism where he had a vision of how tourism could benefit the state. He served another four years on the Tourism Commission and six years on the Appropriations Committee which resulted in improvements such as the Meyers Library at Missouri State University and the State Office Building.
He presented the Memorial Day Message in the House Chambers throughout his tenure and beyondan honor to be chosen. In 2004 he was honored at the Democratic Jackson Day Events with the prestigious Howard Hannah Award.
Fred enjoyed 30 years of participation in sharing the narration of Springfield''s Live Nativity Pageant.
Fred was an outstanding family man: Husband, Daddy, Grandfather and always went the extra mile to make life special whether it was holidays, milestones or simply everyday life. He did his best to attend school functions and milestone events. A highlight was being able to baptize his daughters and granddaughters.
A positive impact was made on many Ozarkers by Fred''s testimony and integrity through all capacities, outreaches, and vocations. He leaves a legacy of integrity and this man and his golden voice will be greatly missed.
Visitation will be Wednesday April 4, 2012 from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Klingner-Cope Family Funeral Home, 1635 N. Benton Ave. Springfield, MO. Services will be Thursday, April 5, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. in the funeral home. Interment will be at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens.