JOHN W. LYNCH

John Wayne Lynch, 66, Lee's Summit, Mo., passed away March 2, 2012, at his home. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, March 5, at Langsford Funeral Home, 115 SW Third St., Lee's Summit. A separate memorial service will be held at the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg at a later date. John was born in St. Louis to John E. and Leona Lynch. After enlisting in the 101st Airborne and serving in Vietnam, John graduated from CMSU (now UCM) and began his career at McGraw Edison/Toastmaster as a graphic designer and freelance artist for several mid- Missouri businesses. He established and directed the Commercial Art Department at Columbia College, Columbia, Mo., in 1973, and then returned to his alma mater (UCM) in 1984 as an associate professor of Commercial Art and Design -- teaching, mentoring, and inspiring students for 28 years. John earned his M.F.A. from Syracuse University in 1986. At his sons' and grandsons' sports and activities, John often watched from the periphery because his cheers and encouragements could deafen neighboring spectators. John's tireless support of veterans' issues was matched only by the fierce competition he provided to anyone who challenged him on the tennis court, golf course, or bowling lanes. He enjoyed local sports, Invicta watches, crossword puzzles, vacationing in the American Southwest, and occasional good-natured curmudgeonry. Art was John's life as well as his livelihood, and his artwork lights up the homes of friends and family. His students often called him their toughest teacher, but also the one who prepared them the most for their careers. He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by Sheila, his wife of 43 years, his sister, Donna, son Brian and his wife Jessica, son, Michael and grandsons, Brayden and Connor. John will be missed by many other family members, friends, colleagues and students. Memorial contributions can be made to the John W. Lynch Scholarship Fund for Commercial Art and Art Education, through the UCM Foundation, University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, MO 64093.