Lynn was born on December 20, 1939 to Howard and Nina Berringer in Clairton, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Penn State University in 1961 with a degree in Electrical Engineering. Following graduation, he joined The United States Air Force where he would serve for the next 26 years, retiring as a Colonel in 1987.
During his years of service, Lynn flew as a Forward Air Controller in Vietnam, received his Master’s Degree from Central Michigan University, was a Squadron Commander, a Director of Operations, served as the Commander of the 11th Strategic Group at RAF Fairford, England and retired as the Commander of the 306th Strategic Wing at RAF Mildenhall, England.
Lynn was a USAF Command Pilot who flew more than 330 combat missions. During his years in the USAF he flew B-47s, O-1s, RC-135s, KC-135s and other aircraft. Upon retiring he became a commercial airline pilot for 12 years where he flew for Continental and US Air.
He was a highly decorated officer who was awarded a Legion of Merit, 2 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 2 Bronze Stars, one with a “V” device for valor, and 23 Air Medals. Under his command, the 306th Strategic Wing was awarded the Air Force Association’s David C. Schilling Award, which is presented for outstanding contributions to the field of flight, for their participation as part of the "El Dorado Canyon" Task Force, a mission against terrorism.
After retiring, Lynn gave countless hours to his community; volunteering for more than 20 years at Conroe Regional Medical Center, where he was named Volunteer of the Year in 2010. He served as President of the Hospital Auxiliary for several terms, and was the American Heart Association Volunteer of the Year for Montgomery County in 2004 and served as the President of the Montgomery County American Heart Association Board in 2005. He was a charter member and actively involved in the Conroe Mended Hearts Chapter since its inception in 1994 serving as Accredited Visitor Chairman and President, and served as the National Vice President of Mended Hearts. He was a President of the Bentwater Men’s Golf Association and served on the Bentwater Civic Association Board of Directors.
Lynn Berringer is survived by his loving wife of almost 60 years, Kathy Berringer, their children, Jeff Berringer (Sue Wenburg), Lisa Cook (Jim Cook), and Lori Collins (Bryan Collins) and his grandchildren, Luke Berringer, Connor Corr, Jake Cook, Cameron Collins and Kyle Collins and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Nina and Howard Berringer, sister, Louise Steinkopf and brother, Howard Berringer.
Aside from his love of flying, Lynn’s greatest joy was spending time with his family. He loved his and Kathy’s trips and adventures, annual Christmas vacations with his entire family, along with playing countless games of Oh Heck, competing in the Family Feud Fantasy Football League with Kathy, their kids and grandkids, boating on Lake Conroe, skiing, scuba diving and traveling. In retirement, Lynn and Kathy lived in Bentwater where he loved to play golf. He especially enjoyed his weekly golf outings over the past 30 years with friends, Tom, John, Paul and George. He lived a long and wonderful life and will be greatly missed by all knew him.
Visitation for Lynn will be on Thursday, July 6 from 5:00 to 7:00. at Cashner Funeral Home, 801 Teas Rd. in Conroe. Lynn’s family will host a funeral service at Cashner Funeral Home on Friday, July 7, 2023 at 10:00am. Internment will take place on Monday, July 10 at 9:45am at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr. Houston, with military honors. Pallbearers will be Lynn’s grandsons, Luke Berringer, Cameron Collins, Connor Corr, Kyle Collins and Jake Cook.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the American Heart Association or the United States Organizations (USO) in Lynn’s name. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cashnerconroe.com for the Berringer family.
