V. Michael Lynch, DDS

Vincent Michael Lynch, age 82, went to be with the Lord on Sunday evening, March 30th, 2025. He passed away in his home in Temple, TX after a brief battle with pneumonia, surrounded by his loving family. Michael was a husband, father, grandfather, man of service and a passionate life-long learner. He was married to his wife Carol, one month shy of their 51st wedding anniversary.

Michael was born on September 12th, 1942, in Dallas, TX to parents Francis Houston Lynch, Jr. and Juanita Parsons Lynch. Michael is survived by his wife Carol (Mann); his sister Eileen Lynch; his 5 children: Richard Lynch (Stacy Klingler); Stephanie Redmond (Kevin); Kelly Lynch (Kelly Lemmons); David Lynch (Emily); Lesley Lynch (Mia Jasieniecka); and 12 grandchildren: Sophia; Ashlyn (Stephen), Sheridan (Caleb), Landrum; Eric, Tyler, Chase, Oliver; Molly Rose, Lafe, Beatrice; and Sage.

Michael leaves an incredible educational legacy spanning over five decades. He graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School (Dallas) in 1960, then attended The University of Texas (Austin) as a Plan II/Pre-dental undergraduate. After 3 years in that program, he was accepted into Baylor University’s College of Dentistry (Dallas) graduating with a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) in 1967. Upon completion, Michael commissioned into the United States Navy.

Professionally, Michael served his country for 44 years; 29 years in the US Navy and after retiring from the Navy he served another 15 years as a dentist with the V.A. Hospital in Temple, TX. Michael’s Naval career was highlighted by being the Dental Department Head on the USS Tripoli and had duty stations in Portsmouth, VA; Bethesda, MD; and Long Beach, CA. In addition, he was the Senior Dental Officer at RAF Edzell, Scotland, UK; Officer-in-Charge at the Branch Dental Clinic, US Embassy, London, England, UK; and at his last duty station in San Diego, CA he was the Director of the Advanced Clinical Programs. He retired as a Captain in the US Navy, serving from July 1967-January 1996.

Michael continued to pursue higher education his entire life. While stationed in Bethesda, MD, he attended the Naval Post-Graduate Dental School and went on to teach there in the Comprehensive Dentistry Program. After retiring, Michael fulfilled his lifelong dream of earning a degree from The University of Texas (Austin), graduating with honors in 2016, with a B.A in History.

Michael was a hard worker; a family man; a thinker; and a lover of movies, Longhorn Football, off-road motorcycles, classical music, and anything to do with Winston Churchill. He competed in off-road dirt bike enduros in his early years and later enjoyed simply riding for pleasure with his children & grandchildren in the Hill Country of Texas. After many long years, and much encouragement from his family, he hung up his riding boots & helmet, having his last ride at the ripe young age of 75.

In his later years, he enjoyed taking drives in his ’40 Ford Coupe. His children and grandchildren lovingly knew him as Dad, Papa and Grand Papa. The recurring themes from his family included watching movies, and having deep conversations about dollar cost averaging, the cosmos, and Churchill’s great leadership. Memories of sharing Blue Bell ice cream with Papa were among the favorites shared by his children and grandchildren.

There will be a private Celebration of Life for Michael at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, TX, for the family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Temple Bible Church (TBC) or Churches Touching Lives for Christ (CTLC) in his honor.