Ed Lynch Jr., 68, of Winamac was surrounded by his loving family when he passed away at 4:45 PM on Sunday, October 9, 2022 at his home. This followed a brave and valiant battle with cancer.

On September 25, 1954, Edwin James Lynch Jr. was born in Albuquerque, NM to Edwin James Sr. and Cecilia Mondragon Lynch. Growing up he shared his childhood with a sister and brother.

Answering the call of patriotism, Ed joined the United States Air Force, following in the footsteps of his Dad.  One of his first assignments was at Luke Air Force Base in Phoenix, AZ. He met the sister of his best friend while deployed and it was love for both of them at first sight. It wasn't long until he married the love of his life Miss Terri L.  Hamman at Luke Air Force Base on October 14, 1978.  Together they shared four decades of life's adventures and were proud parents of five wonderful children.  The family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of eight beautiful grandchildren.  He retired after 20 years of service. Most of his service stints included surveillance on the AWACS or as an instructor. Over the years Ed's commitments to his country provided him the ability to travel the world, traveling to more than 30 countries.  While stationed overseas Ed and his family explored Europe together, exploring various European cultures and history. Ed retired on November 1, 1996 as a Technical Sergeant.  He was an American patriot, very proud of his service.

An entrepreneur since returning to the area in 1996, Ed and Terri owned and operated EJ's Flooring, a locally owned flooring business in Winamac.

A huge sports enthusiast, Ed owned a unique collection of sports memorabilia, including trading cards. His favorite team was the University of Southern California Trojans.  He also liked the look, speed and power of muscle cars. Ed was an accomplished poker player, experiencing success on several occasions.

As the patriarch of the Lynch family, Grandpa Ed was proud of his family and loved to brag about his kids and grandkids who adored him. He was always there courtside, at the ball fields, attending school concerts and academic competitions to cheer everyone on offering his support, spirit and enthusiasm.  At home he looked forward to getting together for the holidays and special family celebrations.

Left to cherish Ed's memory are his wife Bonnie Lynch; two daughters: Shannon Cook and husband Micah of Winamac, Heather Grisel and husband Joell of Westfield; three sons: Kyle Lynch and wife Sue of Colorado Springs, CO, Eddie Lynch III of Winamac, Sean Lynch of Carmel; eight grandchildren: Brayden, Kamryn, Rylan, Maddox, Avery, Sofia, Carter, Ava Mae; brother Jon Lynch of CA; several nephews; and Wrigley, the grand dog.

Preceding Ed in death are his parents Ed and Cecilia Lynch, wife Terri who passed on December 29, 2018, and sister Rosemary Lynch.

With respect to Ed's wishes, his life celebration will be private.  Military Honors will be conducted by the Fulton County Veteran's Honor Guard and the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.  Memorials may be made to Wounded Warriors Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675-8517 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, PO Box 1893, Memphis, TN 38101-9950 .