Arthur Noel Lynch passed away peacefully on Friday, August 7, 2026, at the age of 81, at home surrounded by family. He was born December 23, 1944 in Van Buren, Arkansas, the son of the late Ed and Pauline Lynch, and brother of the late William, Jim, Terry, and Eddie Lynch. He studied English literature and history at Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, Arkansas before running a grocery store and later building a 35-year career at ABF Freight, where he rose to Vice President of Sales.

It was there he met his future wife, Gayle, beginning a marriage that lasted 53 years and raised three children together. The family moved often before Art and Gayle eventually settled in Grayslake, Illinois.

Devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend, Art never met a stranger. He was all about the story of life, and he treasured each person’s story as a gift, making everyone he met feel truly seen.

A man of deep faith, Arthur was a lifelong member of the Episcopal Church and a longtime vestry member at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Glen Ellyn, IL offering his time, leadership, and heart to the community he cherished. His service there reflected his belief in compassion, justice, and the power of human connection.

A lifelong Cardinals fan, he passed that love of baseball down to his children and grandchildren. He was known to break into spontaneous dancing in the family room, and in the kitchen, he was a devoted Julia Child fan, always cooking together with Gayle for the people they loved.

He is survived by his wife, Gayle; his children, Tricia Holland (Steve), Chris Lynch (Amanda), and Erin “Nikki” Lynch (Mac); and his grandchildren, Sean (Karsyn), Margaret, Nora, Caitlin, and Britta, who knew him simply as Grampy or Papa Art. He is also fondly remembered by his sister-in-law, Elaine Lynch, and by his many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

A wake will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, September 12, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM at St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 3350 N Delany Rd, Waukegan, IL.

At 81, he was still fighting the good fight, successfully advocating for zoning approval for A Safe Place in Grayslake, IL. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to A Safe Place Zion, IL (asafeplaceforhelp.org).

Art treasured every story he ever heard. If you have one about Art you’d like to share with the family, please send it to e.n.lynch@gmail.com.