Major General (Retired) Thomas Patrick Lynch, a most devoted servant and soldier to God and country, went to his heavenly home on October 28, 2018. He was born on March 3, 1927 in Janesville, MN, to Thomas Philip Lynch and Sybella Magdalene (Breuer) Lynch. Experiencing very humble beginnings in Minnesota, Thomas learned early to work hard and help others. He was influenced with a deep faith by his grandparents and numerous aunts. At the age of 18, Thomas was drafted into the US Army. He served in the enlisted ranks from private to Master Sergeant. During this time he primarily served with the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment and the 82nd Airborne Division. He then accepted a direct commission to Second Lieutenant in 1952. In 1954, he transferred to Armor. MG (Ret) Lynch is a veteran of WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. His awards included Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star Medal, Legion of Merit Medal, Bronze Star Medal with V Device (2OLC), Meritorious Service Medal (1OLC), Air Medal with V Device (5OLC), Army Commendation Medal (3OLC), Good Conduct Medal with Clasp, World War II Victory Medal, Army Occupation Medal (1OLC), Republic of Korea Service Medal with 1 Bronze Star, Republic of Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Bronze Star, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star, United Nations Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Commander's Cross Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, Presidential Unit Citation, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm (2nd Award), Combat Infantry Badge, Expert Infantry Badge, and Master Parachutist Badge. Thomas was instrumental in the development and production of the Abrams M-1 tank. After 35 years of service, MG Lynch finished his career as Commanding General of the US Army Armor Center and Commandant of the US Army Armor School at Fort Knox, KY and retired from the US Army in 1980. From 1980 to 2013, Thomas lived his life’s passion with justice and in the service of others. He followed Micah 6:8 which challenges us “to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God”. He was involved in many ministries for St. James Catholic Church in Elizabethtown, KY, including St. Vincent de Paul Outreach and ministering to the sick and homebound. He also served as chairperson of the Peace and Justice Commission and on the advisory board of Catholic Charities for the Archdiocese of Louisville. His devout faith was an inspiration to those he knew and he carried this strength into his peaceful passing. Thomas was an avid golfer, handball player, and racquetball player. He was known throughout his early years for boxing, football, basketball, as well as track and military pentathlon. He travelled the world in his career, but most enjoyed time with family and friends. He will be remembered for his Irish roots, quick, dry sense of humor, steady character, and love for his fellow man. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Katherine “Katchie” Miller Lynch of 23 years; a son, Mike Lynch (Tomoko); daughters, Maureen Sturdevant, Theresa Kaser (Doug), Molly Grogan, Susan Douglas (Jim); stepdaughters, Lee Anne Werner, Patti Stith (Greg), Mary Lou Newcomb (Mike), Terri Cecil (Matt), Karen Miller (Sandy Woods); a stepson, Andy Miller (Mollie); and a sister Sadie Glynn of Rochester, MN. Thomas enjoyed the love of 21 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren, numerous sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews. Thomas was preceded in death by wife Carol Newbill Lynch (1951-1994), infant son Gregory Allen Lynch, two sisters Colleen Nelson and Theresa Ohnstad,son-in-law, Albert Grogan, grandson Jacob Rhew, and great-granddaughter, Madison Stith. Visitation will be at Brown Funeral Home in Elizabethtown, KY on Friday, November 2nd from 3:00pm-8:00pm and at St. James Catholic Church in Elizabethtown, KY on Saturday, November 3rd from 9:00am-11:00am. A Mass of Christian Burial presided by Fr. Bill Fichteman will follow immediately at 11am. Interment will be on Monday, November 5th at 2:00pm at St. James Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations to St. Vincent de Paul Outreach of St. James Catholic Church or Helping Hand of Hope Elizabethtown are appreciated.

Visitation:

Friday, November 2, 2018 from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Brown Funeral Home

Saturday, November 3, 2018 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
St. James Catholic Church

Service:

Saturday, November 3, 2018 starting at 11:00 AM
St. James Catholic Church