of West Memphis, AR

January 30, 1947 - April 5, 2025

Merle Dean ''Deano" Lynch went to be with our Lord and Savior on April 5, 2025. Dean was born on January 30, 1947, at the Millington Naval Base in Millington, TN. He was the oldest of six, having two brothers and three sisters. Dean was affectionately known as "Finky Rat" by his youngest brother.

Deano led an interesting, sometimes tumultuous life from eating Texas caterpillars at age 3, to being elected Homecoming King for his Senior Class of '65 at Havana High School, Havana, IL. As a Senior, Dean was the Heavyweight Division Weightlifting Champion of the high school, outlifting the head coach, set records for weightlifting, shot put, and the 400m relay, all while securing his place on the varsity football team, the Havana Ducks.

Dean joined the Marine Corp in March of 1966. His Military career was shortened when he was honorably discharged on Family Hardship discharge.

Dean met and married Karen Sue Madson. They had two sons, Joshua Dean and Justin Lee Lynch.

Dean worked many years at Automated Conveyer Systems in West Memphis, AR, and worked as an assistant Purchasing Agent for the West Memphis Utility Commission, before medically retiring.

Dean was preceded in death by his wife of many years, Karen Lynch, his parents Bettie June Doyle and Merle Dean Lynch, Sr., and a sister Donna Maria Lynch.

Dean is survived by his children, Stephanie Wood (CA), Bryan Lynch (CA), Joshua Lynch (AR), and Justin (Sarah) Lynch (TN). His siblings Dennis (Susan) Lynch, Michael (Kathy) Lynch, Sheila (Michael) Marasco, and Mary (Louis) Webber. Grandchildren: Keegan, Kaylan, and Julian of CA, and Presley, Grayson and Luna of TN and a host of nieces and nephews. Dean also leaves behind his beloved dogs, May and Floyd.

Dean's life was full of hilarious, exciting and sometimes discouraging excursions that shaped him into the unique person he was. He will be truly missed by family and friends.

A Celebration Of Life Service will be held Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. at Trinity Baptist Church 521 Graham St., West Memphis, AR 72301

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Citizens Funeral Home
201 North Pine Street
West Memphis, AR  72303
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com