Samuel "Sam" Lynn Jr.

Samuel (Sam) Lynn, 79, went to be with our Lord and Savior on Friday, March 13, 2026.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Bonnie Houchins Lynn; his son, Samuel Lynn, Jr., and wife Barbara; his daughter, Deanna Hoopingarner, and husband James; and his beloved grandchildren: Caleb Lynn, Faith Hoopingarner, Zachary Lynn, Roman Hoopingarner, and Ellie Lynn. He is also survived by his sister, Malisa Patterson, and brothers, Steve Lynn and Rodney Lynn; along with aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins; and the cherished Mark Brabant family.

Sam was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. S. Lynn; by Bonnie’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. C. Houchins; two brothers in law; and several nephews.

Sam was born in Canton, Illinois, on January 27, 1947. Over the years, he made his home in several communities, including Havana, IL; Durham, MO; Quincy, IL; Peoria, IL; Eldridge, IA; Gallatin, TN; and most recently Independence Village in Fishers, IN.

After serving two years in the U.S. Army, Sam earned his Bachelor’s Degree with honors from Quincy College in Illinois.

During his college years, Sam and Bonnie welcomed their two children, filling their home with joy even as he worked tirelessly to build a future for his young family. It was during this time that he began his career in Project Design and Manufacturing at Gardner Denver in Quincy, Illinois-a field in which he devoted many dedicated years.

In 1976, Sam began a successful 30-year career with Caterpillar, where he held numerous roles in which he excelled and found great fulfillment. He retired in 2006 as Vice President of Competitive Intelligence. Sam and Bonnie were active members of several churches throughout their lives and, following his retirement, made their home in Gallatin, Tennessee.

Even with the demands of family, school and work, Sam remained faithful in serving his Savior. His love for the Lord deepened throughout his life, shaping his devotion to the Church and his compassion for the lost and hurting. His faith was not merely something he professed; it was something he lived-steadily, humbly, and with a servant’s heart.

A future date and time will be determined for a Celebration of Life service at Long Hollow Church, Gallatin Campus.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Sam’s honor to the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345.

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to Legacy Hospice and the entire staff at Independence Village for their compassionate care and for making Sam’s passing peaceful.

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