Mr. Donald Berry Lynn

He died Monday, April 26, 2010 in Norman, Oklahoma

He was raised in Ardmore and Ada, graduating from Ada High School in 1951. He married Patricia Joanne (Jo) Tadlock on April 30, 1953, in Norman. Don joined the United States Air Force the same year, where he served his country for the next 22 years. During that time, Don was stationed at 12 different bases in six states and four foreign countries, including: Lackland, Randolph (twice) and Reese AFBs, Texas; Chanute AFB, Illinois (twice); Forbes AFB, Kansas; Harbor Island, Washington; Castle AFB, California; Barksdale AFB, Louisiana; Dhahran Airfield, Saudi Arabia; Keflavik Naval Air Station, Iceland; Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Vietnam; and Ching Chuan Kang Air Base, Taiwan. Don also attended the Academic Instructor Program at Maxfield AFB, Alabama in 1958 and the NCO Academy at March AFB, California in 1964. Most of Don’s assignments included Jo and the couple’s four children.

After Don retired from active duty in 1974, he embarked on his second career as an educator. Don graduated from the University of Oklahoma with his bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 1978. He received his master’s degree in education from OU in 1982 and subsequently obtained his Oklahoma state administrator’s certificate. He taught fourth grade at Monroe Elementary School in Norman for seven years before being named principal at Adams Elementary School in 1985. In 1990, Don became the first principal at the newly opened Truman Elementary School. He retired from the Norman Public School System in 1995.

After more than 49 years of marriage, Jo died August 18, 2002. On May 8, 2004, Don married Margaret V. Saxon. He was a Vietnam War veteran, Master Mason, member of the CrossPointe Church and past member of the Norman Lion’s Club.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, wife Jo, and his aunt and adoptive mother Ruby Shockley. He is survived by his wife Margaret of the home; daughters Donna J. Garrison of Tulsa and Ruth A. Beller and her husband Jack of Norman; sons James A. (Jim) Lynn and his wife Catherine of Norman and Donald Bennett (Donnie) Lynn and his wife Vanessa of Norman; and brother Dr. Ronald B. Lynn and his wife Catherine of Memphis, Tennessee. Don is also survived by grandchildren: Phillip Garrison of Tulsa; Jacquelynn Garrison of Moore; Lindsey Stanley of Norman; Brent Stanley of Oklahoma City; Garrett, Audrey and Annika Lynn of Norman; and Alexandra, Victoria and Preston Lynn of Norman; and great-grandchildren Blake Etzkorn and Izabella Izydor of Norman. Don is survived by stepchildren: Shelia Patch and her husband Jim of Edmond; Terry Saxon and his wife Jackie of Norman; Eddie Saxon of Tulsa; and Larry Saxon of Norman. Don also has six step-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren.

Honorary Pallbearers are: Jim Lynn and Donnie Lynn, sons; Dr. Ron Lynn, brother; Dr. Jack Beller, son-in-law; Eddie Saxon, Terry Saxon and Larry Saxon, stepsons; and Gene Hausenfluke.

Services will be 10:30 AM Wednesday, April 28 at CrossPointe Church with Rev. Joe Grizzle officiating. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Park, under the direction of Primrose Funeral Service. In lieu of flowers, Don requested that donations be sent to Veterans Corner, P.O. Box 704, Washington, OK 73093.

For more information regarding Don Lynn, visit primrosefuneralservice.com