Michael J. Lynch, 77

Michael James Lynch, 77, of St. Marys passed away at 11:50 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021 at the Joint Township District Memorial Hospital, St. Marys.

Mike was born June 26, 1944 at home in Carey, Ohio, the son of Harold James Lynch and Virginia Rose (Pahl) Lynch.

On Jan. 21, 1967 in Prout Chapel on the campus of Bowling Green State University he married Miriam E. Ferris who survives at the residence.

Also surviving are his two sons: Scot Lynch of Wapakoneta and Bryan Lynch of St. Marys and grandchildren, Anna and Sophia both of St. Marys. He is also survived by his sister Patricia (Perry) Hoffman of Findlay; brother Gregory (Marcy) Lynch, and brother Daniel (lla) Lynch both of Carey and sister-in-law, Frieda Ferris of Cecil, Ohio along with many nieces and nephews.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents and a stillborn infant sister.

He was a graduate of Carey High School Class of 1962. He received his Bachelor’s in education from Bowling Green State University and his Master’s in education from St. Francis University.

Mike retired from St. Marys City Schools after a successful career as a classroom teacher and work program coordinator. He also was a Juvenile Probation Officer for the Auglaize Juvenile Justice Program. Mike was well respected by all who knew him as a gentleman and a supporter of St. Marys. He was the Mayor of St. Marys from 1988 to 1991. He was involved with Jaycees and eventually the St. Marys Concert Corporation as they brought many well known music artists to perform here. He was the first varsity coach of the Memorial High School girls basketball program. He also served as the basketball coach for many years of the Auglaize County Special Olympics program.

He loved to travel, especially the Grand Canyon where he hiked to the bottom, rode mules to the bottom and went whitewater rafting three times. He played in trivia tournaments, supported soccer and snow-skied. Most of all Mike was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was proud of his family and their accomplishments. All his friends knew Mike could be counted on to do more than his share of any project he was involved with.

Services will begin at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 9, at the Miller Funeral Home, 1605 Celina Road, St. Marys with the Rev. Tim Benjamin, officiating.

Visitation will be held from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers the preferred family memorial will be The Lynch Family and Friends Second Chance Scholarship through the St. Marys Community Foundation providing recognition to the students that Mike devoted his career to assisting.

Condolences may be shared and memories shared with Mike’s family via: MillerFuneralHomes.net.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Miller Funeral Homes in St. Marys.