Robert "Lynn" Gorrell

1949 - 2016

Robert "Lynn" Gorrell, 67, of Canton, passed away Saturday, Oct. 22, 2016, at his home after a short battle with cancer.

Born Oct. 1, 1949, in Quincy, Lynn was a son of Robert and Lucille Wagner Gorrell. He married Elaine Eisenberg Johnson on Sept. 7, 1979, in Canton. She survives.

Lynn was a 1967 graduate of Canton High School where he was class president both his junior and senior years. His love of music began in beginner band when he had the prestige of being the first flugelhorn player in school history. He earned a bachelor of science degree in agriculture at Northeast Missouri State in Kirksville in 1972. After college, Lynn farmed for several years and owned and operated Lynn's Lawns for 34 years until he retired in the fall of 2015. He was a member of Immanuel United Methodist Church and Eagles 1800 of Canton.

An avid fan, he never missed watching a Cardinals baseball or Mizzou football or basketball game and tried to attend as many as possible. He bowled in two leagues in Quincy, Ill. Lynn had a wonderful voice and enjoyed singing karaoke after bowling. Lynn loved to attend music concerts and stage plays and had a T-shirt that rightly stated, "I may be old but I got to see all the cool bands." He had a wonderful sense of humor and quick wit and could remember and re-tell every joke he ever heard.

Lynn was able to travel extensively and visited many places in the United States, Mexico, Caribbean and Europe. His favorite destination was Key West, Fla. He loved animals and was very fond of his favorite cat, Wallis.

Survivors include his wife; one stepson, Alan (Marla) Johnson of Kirkland, Wash.; one brother, Larry (Lynn) Gorrell of Quincy; brother-in law, Merlin (Lauri) Eisenberg of Quincy; sister-in law, Abbie Flynn of Maywood; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

SERVICES: Lynn donated his body to the University of Missouri Medical School to aid in the education of future doctors in the hopes that someday we will be able to beat cancer. His wishes were to have a celebration of his life instead of a service and visitation. This was held Saturday, Sept. 24, at the Canton Eagles so that Lynn could enjoy the many friends and family members that dearly loved him.

MEMORIALS: Humane Society or American Cancer Society-Relay For Life.

ARRANGEMENTS: Arnold's Funeral Home in Canton.

WEBSITE: arnoldsfuneralhome.net.

Condolences may be expressed online at whig.com.SNbS