Lynn Laughlin, Associate Vice President of Alumni Services at Lincoln Christian University, has passed away at the age of 81, this obituary highlights the life and accomplishments of Lynn Laughlin.
Obituary of Lynn Laughlin
On July 11, 2023 at 6:55 a.m., Lynn Ryburn Laughlin passed peacefully to her eternal home, surrounded by an overwhelming outpouring of love and unity from family and friends around the world. Born June 24, 1942 in Massillon, Ohio, Lynn was the beloved middle son of Pastor Ernest E. and Naomi (McFadin) Laughlin. Growing up in Springfield, Illinois, Lynn’s family played a vital role in the leadership of the West Side Christian Church.
He found the love of a lifetime when he married Lois Evelyn Whitlatch on June 1, 1979 at Jefferson Street Christian Church in Lincoln, Illinois, and their steadfast partnership lasted 44 remarkable years. Lynn’s professional and academic achievements were noteworthy, marked by his alma mater, Lincoln Christian College (later Lincoln Christian University). From the student locker room to the basketball court under Coach “Doc” Henderson, Lynn’s dedication to the university spanned an impressive 56 years.
During his tenure, he served in a variety of capacities, including basketball coach, athletic director, professor of New Testament and physical education, director of student services, dean of men, director of recruiting, Dayspring and camp teams, vice president of student development, vice president of Alumni Services, member of the House celebrities and special assistant to the president.
Lynn earned a BA in Preaching, a MA in New Testament, and an honorary Doctor of Theology from Lincoln Christian. Additionally, he holds a bachelor’s degree in physical education from Millikin University and a master’s degree in physical education from Illinois State University. In 2017, Lynn received special recognition for more than half a century of service at Lincoln Christian, becoming the only faculty or staff member to achieve this milestone.
He also held a significant leadership role in Rotary International, serving as president of the Rotary Club of Lincoln, Illinois for many years, and receiving the prestigious Paul Harris Award, Rotary’s highest honor. Above all, Lynn’s legacy is found in the lives he touched. As a priest, he preached countless sermons and officiated at numerous baptisms, weddings and funerals, leaving an indelible impact on generations of family, friends and alumni.
Lynn possessed an extraordinary gift for remembering faces, names and personal details, demonstrating his genuine caring and ability to be fully present at all times. With integrity and humility, he cultivated thousands of personal friendships, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of tens of thousands of individuals from all walks of life. Fueled by eternal energy, he thrived on connecting, inspiring others, fostering belonging, spreading laughter and promoting spiritual self-reflection.
For many, Lynn symbolized Christian character. He was an irreplaceable coach, mentor, colleague, uncle, brother, father, husband and friend. We remember his contagious smile and unwavering sense of humor, his boisterous laugh and resonant singing voice, the sparkle in his eyes and his unwavering devotion to Cardinals baseball.
What happened to Lynn Laughlin?
It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Lynn Ryburn Laughlin passed away in Springfield, Illinois on July 11, 2023, at the age of 81, leaving behind a grieving circle of family and friends. You are invited to express your condolences and pay tribute to Lynn Ryburn Laughlin on the memorial page in his memory.
From an early age, Lynn was destined for a life of ministry, growing up in Springfield, Illinois, where the Laughlin family served as a steadfast pillar of leadership at the West Side Christian Church. On June 1, 1979, Lynn began a journey of love and companionship when he married his soulmate, Lois Evelyn Whitlatch, at the Christian Church on Jefferson Street in Lincoln, Illinois. Lynn and Lois spent 44 wonderful years together.
Lynn’s professional and academic achievements are a testament to his unwavering commitment. As a distinguished graduate of Lincoln Christian College (later Lincoln Christian College), Lynn left an indelible mark on the institution. From serving on the Student Cabinet to making a lasting impact on the basketball court under the mentorship of Coach “Doc” Henderson, Lynn dedicated an incredible 56 years of his life to Lincoln Christian University.
During his tenure, he held various esteemed roles, including basketball coach, athletic director, professor of New Testament and physical education, director of student services, dean of men, director of recruiting, dayspring and camp teams, vice president of student development, vice president of Alumni Services, member Hall of Famers and Special Assistant to the President.
With a BA in Preaching, MA in New Testament, and Honorary Doctor of Divinity from Lincoln Christian, Lynn’s educational journey also included earning a BA in Physical Education from Millikin University and a MA in Physical Education from Illinois State University. In 2017, Lynn received the well-deserved honor of being the only faculty or staff member to serve more than half a century at Lincoln Christian.
Additionally, Lynn has demonstrated exceptional leadership as a longtime advocate for Rotary International and has served as the esteemed President of the Rotary Club of Lincoln, Illinois for multiple terms, receiving the prestigious Paul Harris Award, Rotary’s highest honor.
However, Lynn’s true legacy lies in the hearts of the people he touched. Throughout his life he served as a dedicated priest, graciously preaching sermons and officiating at countless baptisms, weddings and funerals for families, friends and former students.
How did Lynn Laughlin die?
It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the death of Lynn Ryburn Laughlin in Springfield, Illinois. Lynn, age 81, left this world on July 11, 2023. Our condolences go out to his bereaved family and friends at this difficult time. Pay tribute to Lynn Ryburn Laughlin on the memorial page as we remember his life and legacy.
Lynn’s extraordinary journey began on June 24, 1942 in Massillon, Ohio, where he was born the middle son of Pastor Ernest E. and Naomi (McFadin) Laughlin. Growing up in Springfield, Illinois, the Laughlin family played an important role in the leadership of the West Side Christian Church. On June 1, 1979, Lynn married Lois Evelyn Whitlatch, his true love, at the Jefferson Street Christian Church in Lincoln, Illinois. Together, Lynn and Lois celebrated 44 years of cherished moments and steadfast partnership.
Lynn left an indelible mark both professionally and academically. He was a proud graduate of Lincoln Christian College (later Lincoln Christian University), where he distinguished himself as a standout in the Student Cabinet and on the basketball court under coach “Doc” Henderson.
Lynn devoted an incredible 56 years of his life to serving Lincoln Christian University, filling various roles such as Basketball Coach, Athletic Director, Professor of New Testament and Physical Education, Director of Student Services, Dean of Men, Director of Recruiting, Dayspring and Camp Teams, Vice President for Student Development, Vice President for Alumni Services, Hall of Famer and Special Assistant to the President.
He had a bachelor’s degree in preaching, a master’s degree in New Testament, and an honorary doctorate in theology from Lincoln Christian. In addition, Lynn completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in physical education from Millikin University and Illinois State University. In 2017, Lynn received a well-deserved honor for his exceptional dedication as the only faculty or staff member to serve more than half a century at Lincoln Christian.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Lynn was a respected leader within Rotary International, serving as president of the Rotary Club of Lincoln, Illinois for multiple terms and receiving the prestigious Paul Harris Award, Rotary’s highest honor.
However, Lynn’s true impact lies in the lives of the people he touched. Throughout his existence he served as a dedicated priest, delivering heartfelt sermons and officiating at numerous baptisms, weddings and funerals for generations of family, friends and alumni. Lynn possessed an extraordinary gift for recalling faces, names and personal details, showing genuine care and presence in every interaction.
With unwavering integrity and humility, he cultivated countless personal friendships and left an indelible mark on the lives of tens of thousands of people. Lynn’s love and inclusive spirit reached out to individuals from all walks of life, becoming a source of inspiration, laughter and spiritual self-reflection.
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Categories: General
Source: HIS Education