Edward Daniel Lynch

Dan was born on April 19, 1932, in Waterloo, Iowa. He was the eldest child of Edward Frances and Margaret Lynch. Dan graduated from Sacred Heart High School in 1950. He then went on to earn a business degree from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa. After graduating from Loras, Dan was drafted into the U.S. Army and served for two years, stationed in Germany.

Upon his return to the States, Dan wed Mary Dalton Lynch in 1957 at St. Francis Xavier Church in LaGrange, Illinois. Dan and Mary raised three sons, spending much time on Little League fields, in campgrounds, on fishing trips, and at Boy Scout events. In later years, Dan and Mary relished travel and shared excursions throughout Europe and Asia. Honoring his wedding vows to the end, Dan cared for Mary for several years, through her struggles with Parkinson’s disease and cancer until she passed away in 2010.

In 1957, Dan began his 35-year career in financial management for Shell Oil. Dan’s career required travel and many moves. As a result, he spent time in all 50 states. As his career progressed, Dan helped his family move to over a dozen homes in California, New York, Illinois, and Texas. After their third move to Houston in 1975, the Lynch family settled in. Houston was home. Dan was an active member of St. John Vianney Catholic Church. He served on the parish council and helped plan the church’s annual bazaar for many years. He also was a volunteer at Texas Children’s Hospital and a member of Lakeside Country Club.

In his free time, Dan enjoyed fishing – particularly at Lake Livingston, north of Houston – and golf. Dan’s golf bag traveled with him to Scotland, Ireland, and to golf courses throughout the United States, including Pine Valley.

Dan loved children, and he was always willing to offer sound advice and mentor them on social niceties. He was a hands-on grandfather. He liked nothing better than gathering his clan together at home for dinner; he manned the grill while Mary commanded the kitchen. Ice cream pie (made with Blue Bell ice cream) and Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies were often part of the menu.

Dan was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Dalton Lynch; his parents, Edward Frances and Margaret Lynch; and his sisters, Mary Lynch Nickels and Joanne Lynch Mattke. He is survived by his three beloved sons: Kevin Daniel (Karen) Lynch of Downers Grove, Illinois, Joseph Dalton (Alysia) Lynch of Dallas, and John Edward (Julie) Lynch of Houston; his seven grandchildren: Marie (John Sturgeon) Lynch, Ryan Lynch, Daniel (Jordan) Lynch, Brian (Ellie) Lynch, Emily Lynch, Jack Lynch, and Conner (Megan) Lynch; a great-granddaughter, Gemma Marie; his sister-in-law Judith Dalton of Empire, Michigan, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

The funeral Mass will be Friday, May 19th, 2023 at 1:00 pm at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 625 Nottingham Oaks Trail, Houston. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to "Operation School Bell" at the Assistance League of Houston, 1902 Commonwealth, Houston, TX, 77006.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.memorialoaksfunerals.com for the Lynch family.