Jeremy Patrick Andrew Lynch, 40, of Lavaca, Arkansas, passed away Monday evening, May 22, 2017. He was a graduate of the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, a lifelong learner, musician, blacksmith, mentor, friend of the people, guardian of the trees, civil servant, member of the Delaware Tribe and a deeply loving husband.
An employee for the National Park Service, he served as the lead park ranger at the Fort Smith National Historic Site. Jeremy instilled knowledge, inspiration, wisdom, and empathy to all he touched.
His passions were embodied not only in the art he made with his hands, but in the moments of revelation he nurtured through didactic conversations, through spoken word.
A true survivalist in mind, body, and spirit, Jeremy fought for a better world throughout his life, not only for himself, but for those whom he surrounded himself with in the journey of life.
His adventures and spirit live on in those he inspired to be champions of righteousness, justice, knowledge, and compassionate forgiveness.
He is survived by his devoted wife Susan Leigh Allison, and her children, his adopted family, Don Willis, Mark Willis, and Amanda Willis, his grandchildren Tyler Willis, Allison Willis, Haley Pines, and Graham Willis and his adopted father Garland Stafford.
Special thanks to all Jeremy’s work family, the nursing staff on 7th floor UAMS, all the volunteers who are too many name but special thanks to Lynn Reed, Jerry Akins, Michael Jackson, and Father Joseph of Little Rock.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00am - Friday, May 26, 2017, at First United Methodist Church in Fort Smith, Arkansas. (200 N 15th St, Fort Smith, AR 72901).
The family will greet friends from 5:00 to 7:00pm Thursday, May 25, 2017, at Edwards Funeral Home.
Honorary Pallbearers: will be Loren McLane, Cody Faber, Marcus Woodward, Doug Escalante, Dennis Johnson, Garland Stafford, Jerry Akins, and Lynn Reed. Services are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.
Donations of Memorial can be made to the American Cancer Society . (PO Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123)
Jeremy’s loss is deeply felt, not only to his family, but also by the coworkers and volunteers of the Fort Smith National Historic Site and the Fort Smith community as a whole.
Those close to him knew the comforting nature and jolly spirit he enjoyed sharing with others. His passing reminds us of the integrity imparted to those who like Jeremy, embody themselves as defenders of faith, seekers of truth, and strive for the virtue towards the greater good.
Throughout his life, Jeremy selflessly shielded many he loved from the darkness that at times touches us all. In this, he gave us his heart and soul. The sacrifices, creations, memories, and perseverance shown in his actions and character shall not be forgotten.
We now carry this celebrated part of him forward, each one of us rejoicing in the noble fortitude bestowed in us during his life. Together, we carry this torch forward.
A pious burden inspired by individuals who carry the light, now and forever, as part of our species great odyssey of existence, here on earth and in the great beyond.
What hues within the spectrum of existence will you ply to delineate infinite possibilities of expression? The canvas awaits in anticipation. Go, paint.
True light holds all the colors. Godspeed Jeremy.
