Mr. John C. Lynn was born in Junction City, KS, in 1933 and attended High school in Fort Morgan and Brush, CO. He graduated from the University of Denver in 1955 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics.
In June 1955, My Lynn accepted employment as a mathematician with the Guided Missile Development Division at Redstone Arsenal. He joined the NASA – Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) upon its establishment in 1960 and became chief of its Special Projects Office in January 1963. He held increasingly responsible positions at MSFC including Deputy Director of the Institutional and Program Support Directorate; Director, Information Systems Office; and Director and Deputy Director of the Computer Services Office. In 1995, Mr. Lynn was named the first Chief Information Officer of NASA and was assigned to NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C., where, he was responsible for developing information resource management strategies for the Space Agency, encompassing the areas of strategic planning, standards incorporation in computing, networking and security; establishment of system and information architectures; and the incorporation of life-cycle management concepts into fundamental information technology acquisitions and management.
Mr. Lynn received many awards throughout his career including the NASA Exceptional Service Medal in September 1976 and 1981. He was awarded the Presidential Rank of Meritorious Executive and the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal in 1992. He retired from NASA in February 1996.
Mr. Lynn was a faithful servant throughout his lifetime. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church on the Square, Athens, AL, since 1960 and served in such capacities as Sunday School Teacher, Deacon, Treasurer, Trustee and member of the FPC choir.
He is survived by his wife Diane Lynn of Athens, AL; sons Robert E. Lynn, Sr., (Carol); and William J. Lynn (Sandra); daughters Ruth Ann Engelthaler (Jim); Barbara L. Urie; Tonja Edwards; sister Margaret Jane Danielson; grandchildren Dr. Matthew Engelthaler, Joy Long, Rebecca L. Nolan, Robert E. Lynn, Jr., Meghan Hargrove, John Michael Fleming, Andrea Engelthaler, McKenzie Smith Baxter, Savannah Cummins, great grandchildren Mary Claire, Lilly, Cole, John Hayden, Brianna, John Brayden, several nieces and cousins.
Visitation will be Tuesday January 3, 2023 from 1:00-2:00 P.M. at McConnell Funeral Home.
Funeral Service will be Tuesday January 3, 2023 at 2:00 P.M. with Rev. Jaina Glaze officiating burial will follow at Athens City Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Bob Lynn, Robert Lynn, John Michael Fleming, Bill Lynn, Jimmy Engelthaler, Jackson Baxter, and Billy Hargrove.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church on the Square in Athens, AL or Hospice of Limestone County.
His family was his priority. Hobbies included genealogy, gardening, riding his tractor, listening to classical music and traveling.
