Lynn Ray Ikerd

Lynn Ray Ikerd, 99, Retired Cessna Flight Test Pilot, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at Regent Park Assisted Living, Wichita, KS.

Visitation will be from 2:00 – 4:00 pm, Sunday, July 20, 2025, at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary, Wichita, KS. Graveside Service will be at 1:00 pm, Monday, July 21, 2025, at Resurrection Cemetery, Oklahoma City, OK.

Lynn Ray Ikerd was born in Flint, Michigan on September 8, 1925 to Horace and Mabel (Beckman) Ikerd, the second of nine children. From an early age, he developed an interest in airplanes. When Lynn graduated from Flint Technical High School in 1943, during the Second World War, he enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps with the goal of being selected as a pilot. He received his wings in March 1945, though he was never deployed overseas due to the end of the war. Upon discharge from the Army, he enrolled at Purdue University and earned a degree in Aeronautical Engineering in 1949. He moved to Los Angeles to work for a short time at North American before coming to Cessna Aircraft Company in Wichita in May, 1953. After 40 years of enjoyable work at Cessna, he retired as a Flight Test Engineering Pilot in December, 1993.

Lynn married Mary Ann Engelman in Wichita on July 26, 1962. The couple had one daughter, Lisa. Mary Ann preceded him in death October 2000.

He spent his early retirement traveling with his wife to visit their daughter in Seattle and enjoyed international trips to Israel and China. Once widowed, he continued to visit his daughter and grandchildren as they moved to Los Angeles, Indiana, and finally, Maryland. He also enjoyed spending time with siblings in Florida.

He was delighted to become a grandfather to Alexander and Annamarie and looked forward to their visits.

He has been active in two Wichita churches: Faith Presbyterian Church until 1995 and Wichita Bible Church until around 2015 when mobility restrictions prevented attendance. He was very committed to his Christian faith and has contributed to many Christian Bible translation and missionary organizations.

Preceded in death by his wife; parents, Horace and Mabel (Beckman) Ikerd; brothers, Chad, Dale, Gene, and Larry Ikerd; sister, Fay Schultheis; many beloved in-laws.

Survived by his daughter, Lisa (Matthew) Suriano of Catonsville, MD; grandchildren, Alexander and Annamarie Suriano; brother, Allen Ikerd of Swartz Creek, MI; sisters, Gladys Ikerd, Donna Moore, both of Bloomington, IN; many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established with: The Gentiva Foundation; Wings of Hope, 18370 Wings of Hope Blvd., Chesterfield, MO 63005.