LYNES, USAF RET., Wesley J.

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona, Sunday, December 20, 2015 Lt. Colonel Wesley J. Lynes, USAF Ret., born April 1924 in Burlingame, California, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sept. 8, 2015 at age 91. He is preceded in death by wife Marilyn E. (King) Lynes; and son William Howard Lynes. Surviving family members are children Suzanne Lynes, Ginger Anderson (Billy) and Jeremy Lynes; grandchildren Justin Hennessy, Wesley Lynes and Brit Garguilo-Matsumoto; eight great great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was also widowed by two loving wives, Gwendolyn Lynes and Veva (Jean) Lynes. Colonel Lynes was a career U.S. Air Force pilot commanding B-17's at age 20 flying missions over Germany and France during WWII. He went on to be Aircraft Commander of B-52's flying Hydrogen Bombs up to the Soviet Border during the Cold War and Bay of Pigs. During the Vietnam War, he supported ground troops flying cargo in and out on C-133's. His other duties throughout his 25-year career included Provost Marshall, Squadron Commander, Base Operations Officer and Intelligence Officer. Upon retirement from the military, he attended Vanderbilt University School of Law (undergrad degree-University of Nebraska). He practiced as an attorney for the Office of Chief Counsel for the Internal Revenue Service eventually becoming Assistant District Counsel. Before retiring from the Federal Government, he was appointed Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida prosecuting drug traffickers for income tax evasion. He was a lifetime member of Mensa International, Fraternal Order of Police and Disabled Veterans of America. He also enjoyed a longtime membership of Elks Lodge #330 in Prescott, Arizona, where he had many friends he left behind before moving to Nashville four years ago. The family would like to thank Lakeshore Heartland in Donelson, Tennessee, Guardian Hospice Nashville and Angel Upchurch of Portland, Tennessee for their loving care and many kindnesses in his final years. Always known for his quick wit, candor and great sense of humor he left a large mark on this world and in the hearts of his family and friends. A memorial service with Military Honors will be at 2 p.m. on Jan. 8, 2016, at The Nashville National Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Phillips-Robinson Funeral Home, Nashville, Tennessee, 615-262-3312. Information provided by survivors.