Bennett Francis Crawford Lynch

Bennett "Ben" Francis Crawford Lynch,

84, passed away on Monday, 28 November 2016, at Community North Hospital, Indianapolis, following a lengthy illness.

He leaves his wife of 62 years, Patricia (Cmehil) Lynch; three daughters, Therese Kilgore, Bridgette Lynch Zimmerman, and Colleen Crawford Lynch; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and many close friends.

Ben was born in Indianapolis and grew up in the Slovenian community of Haughville where he attended Holy Trinity Catholic School and Washington High School. Ben and Patricia were married in 1955 and lived continuously in Indianapolis since 1977.

Ben was a decorated veteran who served initially with the U.S. Navy in the Korean War, and subsequently with the U.S. Army. His distinguished Army service included three tours in Vietnam and traveled all around the world. Ben retired honorably from the military in 1974.

Following his military service, Ben worked for the railroad service and later for Allison Transmission of Indianapolis as an architectural draftsman. Ben also fulfilled a longtime dream by earning his undergraduate degree in Theology from Liberty University.

Ben was renowned for being a man of many passions and talents. Aside from a distinguished military service, Ben was a recreational pilot, historian, genealogist, theologian, pastor, architectural draftsman, woodworker, taxidermist, outdoorsman, and loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Ben pursued many of his interests through affiliation with local clubs and associations including, most recently, the Scottish Society of Indianapolis and the Bass Anglers Club of Indianapolis.

Services will be private. Per the families request please do not send flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project.