J. Ed Lynn

J. ED LYNN Passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends, at age 68, on March 15, 2011. Ed was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. His zest for life, generous heart and sense of humor made everyone around him love him. In Ed's world, colleagues and customers became friends, friends became family, and family was everything to him. Ed is survived by his loving wife of 21 years, Judy, his son Randy Lynn (wife Amanda) of Spring Hill, TN, his daughter Melissa Settle (husband Mark) of Flagstaff, AZ, his daughter Susan Lynn Odimegwu (husband George) of Spring Hill, TN, and his sister, Allene Drennon and sister-in-law, Carolyn Lynn. Ed's 7 grandchildren are Tamia, Brandon, Jessica, Olivia, Alexis, George Samuel and Tessa and his great-grandson is A'tavion. Ed was born in Kansas City, KS and attended Rockhurst College and the University of Missouri. He lived all over the country before settling in the Phoenix area in 1976. Ed had an impressive career in the meat industry spanning four decades. Beginning with Armour and Company, Ed was involved in every facet of the business. He continued his career with Cudahy Foods training management and sales staff, eventually moving to Phoenix where he founded American Pantry. Ed developed a line of private label products that sold to some of the largest grocery suppliers in the country. American Pantry averaged annual sales of $20 million. American Pantry also supplied 11 private brands to Sysco, the largest foods supplier in the world. He sold his firm in 1999. Ed was a founding board member and chairman of the board of RepublicBankAZ and an investor and partner in several commercial and residential real estate developments in Arizona. Ed was also a long-time member and past president of Moon Valley Country Club and a member of the Masonic Lodge since 1970. Ed enjoyed traveling and as of September had visited all 50 states and 10 countries. He also enjoyed working in the yard, tending to the wildlife in the backyard (everything from birds to elk to bobcats) and visiting with and hosting friends and family in Scottsdale and Flagstaff. Ed lit up any room he entered with his smile and his sparkling blue eyes. His integrity, generosity, and kindness were treasured by all who knew him. Everyone who met Ed would become his friend and Ed would do anything for family or a friend. A celebration of Ed's life will be held at 2:00 PM on March 22 at Moon Valley Country Club, 151 W. Moon Valley Dr., Phoenix. A private interment will be at Paradise Memorial Gardens at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Assistance League of Phoenix at 9224 N. 5th St., Phoenix, AZ 85020, Phoenix Friends of the Arizona Cancer Center at PO Box 4696, Scottsdale, AZ 85261, Hospice of the Valley at 1510 Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014, or HALO Animal Rescue, at 5231 N. 35th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85017. Arrangements entrusted to Messinger Pinnacle Peak Mortuary.

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