ROBERT MARK LYNCH
April 11, 1924 - August 29, 2017

Robert Mark' Lynch, a longtime resident of Brandon, Fl passed away on August 29, 2017, at the age of 93 following a brief illness. He was truly one of the Greatest Generation: a combat medic serving in Europe during WWII, an innovative chemist for International Mineral and Chemicals (IMC) Phosphate Company, a dedicated member of the First Baptist Church of Brandon and a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Mark was born in Clarksburg, WV on April 11, 1924, one of 7 children to Cecil and Lois Ankrom Lynch. He attended Roosevelt-Wilson High School, was a good student and graduated in 1942.

Mark was drafted into the Army in 1943 and served as a combat medic with Company A of the 87th Chemical Mortar Battalion (Code name "Red Camel") during the Normandy invasion, the Battle of the Bulge, the liberation of Paris and Belgium and the fall of Germany.

Upon discharge from the service, Mark married his high school sweetheart in Washington, DC, returned to WV, and attended Salem International College earning a degree in chemistry. His daughter Jo Ellen was born from this union.

In 1959 Mark married Lois Bailey at the First Baptist Church of Lakeland and became a loving step-father to Carolyn and Beverly. Their loving marriage lasted over five decades until she passed away on August 27, 2011.

He worked for the IMC plant in Bartow, FL for 35 years. At various times during his employment, he attended Florida Southern College, U.S. Bureau of Standards, Tennessee Valley Association, Technicon Industries and Harvard University for classes, seminars, and held positions with Association of Florida Phosphate Chemist (AFPC) as a member, Secretary, Vice President, and President. Mark also served on the Methods Committee with Chief Chemists from other companies in the phosphate business. Although retiring in June 1987, Mark enjoyed his work immensely and continued to work part-time at Thornton Laboratories for years afterwards.

Mark continued being active with aiding other veterans, church-related activities, nursing home visits, maintaining his home, choir membership, and playing golf well into his last years. On March 3, 2015, Mark was awarded the French "Legion of Honor" by the Consul General of France. This is France's highest military award for services rendered during the "Liberation of France". That same year he was awarded the "Hero of Industry" by the Association of Fertilizer and Phosphate Chemists.

Mark is survived by his youngest sister Becky Richards of Clarksburg, WV; his three daughters: Jo Ellen Anderson of San Diego, CA; Carolyn Hopkins of Anderson, SC; Beverly Golden of Brandon, FL. He is also survived by grandchildren, great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and so many others whose lives he touched so dearly every day.

Visitation services are planned for Friday, Sept. 1 6:30PM at Serenity Meadows Funeral Home.
An additional visitation with the family will be held Sat, Sept 2 1:00PM prior to the funeral service held at 2:00PM at First Baptist Church of Brandon.

In lieu of flowers; memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Brandon, 216 N. Parsons, Brandon FL 33510 or Florida Sheriff's Youth Ranch https://www.youthranches.org