Charles M. “Charlie” Lynch, II, 24, of New Athens, IL, born November 29, 1988 in Belleville, IL passed away Saturday, February 2, 2013 at home with friends and relatives at his side. Charlie was born with Cystic Fibrosis and had undergone 2 double lung transplants, intensive therapy and treatment before finally succumbing to the disease. He was President and co-founder of Because We Can, N.F.P. which is a not-for-profit organization that provides gifts to hospitalized teens and young adults. Charlie held an Associate of Arts degree from SWIC, he was a member of St. John United Church of Christ in New Athens, IL, the Boy Scouts of America and participated in the New Athens Open House Theater. Despite his frail health he was 1 belt shy of attaining the rank of 1st degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do.
Charlie is survived by his parents, Charles M. and Patricia A.(Baker) Lynch of New Athens, his brother Chris (Kayla Helfrich) Lynch of New Athens and also by his dear partner, Joshua Napier of St. Louis, MO
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorials be made to Because We Can, N.F.P., which Charlie co-founded.
Visitation: Friends may call from 3 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, February 6, 2013 and again on Thursday, February 7, 2013 from 9 to 10 a.m. at St. John United Church of Christ in New Athens.
Funeral: Services will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, February 7, 2013 at St. John United Church of Christ in New Athens with the Rev. Dr. Robert Koch officiating. In accordance with Charlie’s wishes, cremation will follow the services.
Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in New Athens, IL is in charge of arrangements.
So sorry for your loss. It’s been a few years now but I’ll never forget the time we spent in tae kwon do together. Charlie had a wonderful spirit and I am deeply saddened by his
passing.
Posted by: Jason Lesker – O’fallon, IL Feb 07, 2013
ReplyCharlie was my very first Facebook friend!! Even though I moved away from the area..I kept up with him and learned a lot from him..especially living life to the fullest and not taking a single day for granted!!! RIP Dear Charlie!!!!
Posted by: Robin Fortner – Benton, AR – friend Feb 07, 2013
ReplyMy deepest condolences for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: Liz Armstrong – Belleville, IL – Coworker & friend Feb 06, 2013
ReplyCharlie, Your spirit will be missed! My heart and prayers go out to the family.
Posted by: Karen Laumbattus – New Athens, IL – friend Feb 05, 2013
Replyhe will be missed he was the most sweetiest kid in new athens always smiling and i was having a really bad day and he said dont worry things will get better just believe
Posted by: kimberly dayton – lenzburg, IL – friend Feb 05, 2013
ReplyFred, Jean and I are so sorry for your loss. He was a courageous and very positive person. I know that only because of the things I have heard and read. I wish I could reach across the states and give you all a hug. Our thoughts are with you. Love, Aunt Jean
Posted by: Jean Benkert Fleischauer – PITTSBURGH, PA – Cousin and honorary great aunt. Feb 05, 2013
ReplyCharlie, Trish, and Family,
Our condolences in your profound loss. Charlie was definitely a fighter, and we are so sorry to hear of his passing. You all are in out thoughts and prayers
Posted by: Jerry and Carrie Dowdy – Collinsville, IL – friend and co-worker Feb 05, 2013
ReplyYou will be forever missed Charlie. You were an amazing person who had a heart of gold.
Posted by: Krista Juenger – New Athens, IL – Friend Feb 04, 2013
ReplyTo Charlie, Trish and the whole family. Our deepest condolenses for your loss far too soon. A lot of things happen that don’t make much sense but we can only hope there is a greater master plan – our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Posted by: Bill & Donna Macorkindale – Warner Robins, GA Feb 04, 2013
ReplyWhen I first met Charlie four years ago I was impressed by his good works, his positive energy, his determination, and his brilliance. He also had an amazing sense of humor! I was proud to know him and proud of him. Although he was so much younger than I, I looked up to him. He was one of those jewels, rare and sparkling and priceless.
Posted by: Maxine Beach – St. Louis, MO – Friend Feb 04, 2013
ReplyWe are deeply saddened by the news of the loss of your remarkable son and brother. He couldn’t have had a better family to see him through. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Much love, Ron and Carol
Posted by: Ron and Carol Harshman – Friends Feb 04, 2013
ReplyTrish, Charlie & Chris, There are no words to say at a time like this. Just remember Charlie for the great person he was. Be with each other and keep God in your day to get through this.God Bless you all.
Posted by: Melinda Milligan – New Athens, IL – friend Feb 04, 2013
ReplyCharlie and family — Words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Posted by: Cindy Gieger – Warner Robins, GA – co-worker Feb 04, 2013
ReplyTo Charlie’s Family – I never had the pleasure to meet Charlie II but I did work through the Air Force with his dad. Working with him I felt he was a kind hearted and gentle man who loved his family. My guess is Charlie II excelled in that department as evidenced by his dedication to serving his community. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Lynch Family, friends and community that loved this young man taken too soon.
Posted by: Frank Bove – Randolph AFB, TX – Former Co-Worker of Charlie’s Fa Feb 04, 2013
ReplyTo Charlie’s family, Even tho I did not know your son for long he always was so friendly, my daughter Hannah got the chance to work with him on the Annie play and was touched by his kind spirit. He truly was an amazing person and has touched so many people that will be forever changed by just knowing him, my thoughts and prayers are with you all as you deal with such a great loss, my God grant you all peace and comfort during this rough time….
Posted by: cindy fisher – new athens, IL – friend Feb 04, 2013
ReplyTo the parents of Charlie….You have raised such a great kid he was always smiling..and happy….I am so glad he was a friend of our son in school he was always so nice when he came to our house…He is no longer with us but remember he is walking on the streets of gold with JESUS now…charlie you will be missed…..AND YOU WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED
Posted by: Williams Family – Freeburg, IL Feb 04, 2013
ReplyTo Charlie’s parents,
Thank you for raising such an amazing young man. You must be so proud of everything that Charlie accomplished in his all too short life. He had a great sense of humor, was honest and kind, and oh so smart. I am lucky to have shared even the smallest part of his life, and I will always remember him. He was so lucky to have you both guiding him in his life.
My deepest condolences to you and to Chris during this difficult time.
Randi Papke
Posted by: Randi Papke – Edwardsville, IL – teacher Feb 04, 2013
ReplyCharlie had SUCH a beautiful soul and was such an inspiration to SO many people. He was so brave and strong. I am so happy that my daughters had such a wonderful friend and I was able to be Charlie’s friend too. We are better people for knowing Charlie. I am praying for the family during this difficult time. I hope that knowing Charlie is not hurting any more will help to ease your pain. Charlie made a scarf for me and I am very thankful I have it.
I now have something touched by an angel. ;0)
Love,
Ms. Robin
Posted by: Robin Galan – TX – Friend Feb 04, 2013
ReplyRemembering the birthday celebration at the restaurant…so many smiles!
Posted by: Linda Gonzales – FairviewHeights, IL – The ChuckWagon Feb 04, 2013
ReplyI am so sad to have lost Charlie. His Alabama family came to love him very much. He was full of life. He will be greatly missed.
Posted by: (Aunt) Donna Benefield – Southside, AL – Josh’s aunt Feb 04, 2013
ReplyCharlie you was an insperation to so many of us! You was always a high spirited person, always had a smile on your face even when you was in pain. You will be missed by many!
R.I.P sweety! Fly high!
Posted by: Christine Anderson – New Athens, IL Feb 04, 2013
ReplyMy prayers are with the family… Charlie had inspired me to not take anything for granted and I’m truly sorry for the loss of this great person
Posted by: Katie weber – New athens, IL – Friend Feb 04, 2013
ReplyOur family is so sorry for your loss. Charlie was a kind, respectful, and loving young man. May God touch each of your hearts as you travel this painful path.
Posted by: Dawn DuQuette – Durant, OK Feb 04, 2013
ReplyThis site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Our family is so sorry for your loss. Charlie was a kind, respectful, and loving young man. May God touch each of your hearts as you travel this painful path.
Posted by: Dawn DuQuette – Durant, OK Feb 04, 2013
My prayers are with the family… Charlie had inspired me to not take anything for granted and I’m truly sorry for the loss of this great person
Posted by: Katie weber – New athens, IL – Friend Feb 04, 2013
Charlie you was an insperation to so many of us! You was always a high spirited person, always had a smile on your face even when you was in pain. You will be missed by many!
R.I.P sweety! Fly high!
Posted by: Christine Anderson – New Athens, IL Feb 04, 2013
I am so sad to have lost Charlie. His Alabama family came to love him very much. He was full of life. He will be greatly missed.
Posted by: (Aunt) Donna Benefield – Southside, AL – Josh’s aunt Feb 04, 2013
Remembering the birthday celebration at the restaurant…so many smiles!
Posted by: Linda Gonzales – FairviewHeights, IL – The ChuckWagon Feb 04, 2013
Charlie had SUCH a beautiful soul and was such an inspiration to SO many people. He was so brave and strong. I am so happy that my daughters had such a wonderful friend and I was able to be Charlie’s friend too. We are better people for knowing Charlie. I am praying for the family during this difficult time. I hope that knowing Charlie is not hurting any more will help to ease your pain. Charlie made a scarf for me and I am very thankful I have it.
I now have something touched by an angel. ;0)
Love,
Ms. Robin
Posted by: Robin Galan – TX – Friend Feb 04, 2013
To Charlie’s parents,
Thank you for raising such an amazing young man. You must be so proud of everything that Charlie accomplished in his all too short life. He had a great sense of humor, was honest and kind, and oh so smart. I am lucky to have shared even the smallest part of his life, and I will always remember him. He was so lucky to have you both guiding him in his life.
My deepest condolences to you and to Chris during this difficult time.
Randi Papke
Posted by: Randi Papke – Edwardsville, IL – teacher Feb 04, 2013
To the parents of Charlie….You have raised such a great kid he was always smiling..and happy….I am so glad he was a friend of our son in school he was always so nice when he came to our house…He is no longer with us but remember he is walking on the streets of gold with JESUS now…charlie you will be missed…..AND YOU WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED
Posted by: Williams Family – Freeburg, IL Feb 04, 2013
To Charlie’s family, Even tho I did not know your son for long he always was so friendly, my daughter Hannah got the chance to work with him on the Annie play and was touched by his kind spirit. He truly was an amazing person and has touched so many people that will be forever changed by just knowing him, my thoughts and prayers are with you all as you deal with such a great loss, my God grant you all peace and comfort during this rough time….
Posted by: cindy fisher – new athens, IL – friend Feb 04, 2013
To Charlie’s Family – I never had the pleasure to meet Charlie II but I did work through the Air Force with his dad. Working with him I felt he was a kind hearted and gentle man who loved his family. My guess is Charlie II excelled in that department as evidenced by his dedication to serving his community. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Lynch Family, friends and community that loved this young man taken too soon.
Posted by: Frank Bove – Randolph AFB, TX – Former Co-Worker of Charlie’s Fa Feb 04, 2013
Charlie and family — Words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Posted by: Cindy Gieger – Warner Robins, GA – co-worker Feb 04, 2013
Trish, Charlie & Chris, There are no words to say at a time like this. Just remember Charlie for the great person he was. Be with each other and keep God in your day to get through this.God Bless you all.
Posted by: Melinda Milligan – New Athens, IL – friend Feb 04, 2013
We are deeply saddened by the news of the loss of your remarkable son and brother. He couldn’t have had a better family to see him through. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Much love, Ron and Carol
Posted by: Ron and Carol Harshman – Friends Feb 04, 2013
When I first met Charlie four years ago I was impressed by his good works, his positive energy, his determination, and his brilliance. He also had an amazing sense of humor! I was proud to know him and proud of him. Although he was so much younger than I, I looked up to him. He was one of those jewels, rare and sparkling and priceless.
Posted by: Maxine Beach – St. Louis, MO – Friend Feb 04, 2013
To Charlie, Trish and the whole family. Our deepest condolenses for your loss far too soon. A lot of things happen that don’t make much sense but we can only hope there is a greater master plan – our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Posted by: Bill & Donna Macorkindale – Warner Robins, GA Feb 04, 2013
You will be forever missed Charlie. You were an amazing person who had a heart of gold.
Posted by: Krista Juenger – New Athens, IL – Friend Feb 04, 2013
Charlie, Trish, and Family,
Our condolences in your profound loss. Charlie was definitely a fighter, and we are so sorry to hear of his passing. You all are in out thoughts and prayers
Posted by: Jerry and Carrie Dowdy – Collinsville, IL – friend and co-worker Feb 05, 2013
Fred, Jean and I are so sorry for your loss. He was a courageous and very positive person. I know that only because of the things I have heard and read. I wish I could reach across the states and give you all a hug. Our thoughts are with you. Love, Aunt Jean
Posted by: Jean Benkert Fleischauer – PITTSBURGH, PA – Cousin and honorary great aunt. Feb 05, 2013
he will be missed he was the most sweetiest kid in new athens always smiling and i was having a really bad day and he said dont worry things will get better just believe
Posted by: kimberly dayton – lenzburg, IL – friend Feb 05, 2013
Charlie, Your spirit will be missed! My heart and prayers go out to the family.
Posted by: Karen Laumbattus – New Athens, IL – friend Feb 05, 2013
My deepest condolences for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: Liz Armstrong – Belleville, IL – Coworker & friend Feb 06, 2013
Charlie was my very first Facebook friend!! Even though I moved away from the area..I kept up with him and learned a lot from him..especially living life to the fullest and not taking a single day for granted!!! RIP Dear Charlie!!!!
Posted by: Robin Fortner – Benton, AR – friend Feb 07, 2013
So sorry for your loss. It’s been a few years now but I’ll never forget the time we spent in tae kwon do together. Charlie had a wonderful spirit and I am deeply saddened by his
passing.
Posted by: Jason Lesker – O’fallon, IL Feb 07, 2013