Richard Lynn

Richard “Rick” Lynn, 78, of Wichita, Kansas, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2026. He lived his life the way he played baseball and ran his business: all in, no apologies, and with no one outworking him.

Rick was born in Edwardsville, Illinois, to Ray and Ruth Lynn. He and his older brother, Terry, grew up with a shared love of baseball that stayed with them throughout their lives. Rick was a tremendous ball player, and in 1966 the Houston Astros drafted him out of high school in the 7th round, 123rd overall. He went on to play four seasons of professional baseball in Bismarck, North Dakota; Cocoa Beach, Florida; and Dallas–Fort Worth, Texas, reaching AA before hanging up his cleats.

After baseball, Rick attended Southern Illinois University and then went to work for Campbell Soup, where he became one of the company’s top regional salesmen. In 1974, he started Lynn’s Painting Service. A self-made man, Rick built the business through sheer will, growing it to operations in 15 states. His work ethic was legendary, and his competitive streak meant he refused to be outworked by anyone.

But Lynn’s Painting Service was always about more than painting. Through his business, Rick gave opportunities to countless people, employing the players he coached, high school kids, nephews, nieces, family members, friends, and anyone who needed a hand when times were hard. He was fiercely loyal to the people who worked for him and to the people he worked for, and he took pride in being true to his word and doing the right thing. It was a legacy he worked hard to instill in his children.

While painting at the Chateau Knoll apartment complex in Bettendorf, Iowa, Rick met the love of his life, Katie. They married in 1976 and made Wichita their home for the rest of their lives. Anyone who knew them knows Katie was the perfect balance to Rick’s one-of-a-kind personality, and that is no small compliment. She was the cornerstone of their family, and after she passed away in 2014, Rick missed her every day until he passed.

Being a husband to Katie and a father to Erin and Brody was always Rick’s top priority. He never missed a dance, game, or special event.  He coached his kids throughout their youth in softball, basketball, and baseball. Later in life, Rick looked back on those years as his fondest memories and some of the best of his life.

Coaching was one of Rick’s greatest gifts to the Wichita community. Over the years he coached numerous teams, teaching kids hard work, discipline, competitiveness, and the pride that comes from earning success the hard way. Nothing made him happier than watching his players, teams, and children reach their goals.

Of course, Rick coached the same way he did everything else, which meant he was never shy about sharing his opinions with umpires, referees, and opposing coaches. He had a memorable run-in or two (or twenty) with all three, and he never backed down from a call he disagreed with, or one he simply didn’t like. If you played for Rick, you almost certainly have a story about one of those moments, and you’re probably smiling right now. Umpires across Kansas may be breathing a little easier today, but the games will be a little quieter without him.

Rick had a generous heart and would go out of his way to help the people he cared about, along with plenty of strangers he saw struggling, usually without being asked and never making a fuss. In his later years, his favorite place to be was wherever his five grandkids were playing, dancing, or celebrating life’s big moments. He was also a devoted dog lover who shared his home with seven of them over the years.

Rick was, as they say, one of a kind. He never minced words and always said exactly what was on his mind, whether you asked or not. Some called him an acquired taste, but that’s what made Rick, Rick. To know him was to love him.

Rick is survived by his daughter, Erin (Mark) Fulghum; his son, Brody (Ashley) Lynn; and his five grandchildren, Sophia, Elaina, and Callie Fulghum, and Harrison and Jamison Lynn. He is also survived by his nieces, Stacey Lipe and Amy Cassidy; his nephew, Adam Lynn; his brothers-in-law, Pat (Kathy) Stopulos and Tom (Cindy) Stopulos; his sister-in-law, Mary Fran Stopulos; the Stopulos family, and many other extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Katie; his parents, Ray and Ruth Lynn; his brother, Terry Lynn; his sister-in-law, Susan Lynn; and his brother-in-law, Mike Stopulos.

Services

Friday, October 16, 2026

A Rosary will be held at 10:00 a.m., followed by the Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. both at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 124 N. Roosevelt Street, Wichita, KS 67208

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Shepherd’s Way, 1603 N. Chapel Hill Street Suite 400 Wichita, KS 67206 or League 42, 1212 E. 17^th St. N. Wichita, KS 67214.

Services in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.