Lynn Elwin Nash

“The longer I live, the more beautiful life becomes.” ~Frank Lloyd Wright

After 92 years of All Star play, Lynn Elwin Nash has left the playing field. Born on September 21, 1932 in Oklahoma City to Leo and Clarice “Bo” Nash, joining his brother, Kenneth. Married to Della for 70 years, he loved the life and family they made together. Lynn was father of five, grandfather of 13 and great-grandfather of 4, baseball and softball coach to hundreds, and the loyal friend and teammate of countless others. His life on this earth was nothing short of a grand slam!

 As a boy, Lynn attended Cleveland Grade School, Taft Junior High, and graduated in 1950 from Classen High School. He then attended Oklahoma A&M (now Oklahoma State University) for four years and the University of Oklahoma for two years, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Architecture with honors. He often quipped that, “having attended both universities, he knew which was the best.” 

 On July 23, 1954 Lynn married his favorite teammate (and biggest fan), Della Jean Ford. Their marriage was a beautiful example of unconditional love and devotion. Their first date, of course, was a softball game, as was their honeymoon. Together they had many seasons and became a fixture of Oklahoma City’s Cleveland Neighborhood after buying their home in 1961. Lynn would go on to coach many of the kids in the neighborhood and surrounding neighborhoods in softball and baseball. At one point, he was coaching his youngest son’s baseball team, his daughter’s softball team and his older sons’ softball team…all while playing on a team of his own.

 While finishing college, Lynn worked part time at TG&Y as a draftsman. After graduating, he entered the United States Air Force as a Second Lieutenant and was stationed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio and then was assigned a remote radar site on Middleton Island, Alaska; a two mile wide, one mile long strip of land hundreds of miles from the mainland. Lynn always said he served honorably but not happily. He was given his honorable discharge in 1957 and returned to his home field.

 After returning home, Lynn continued to work as an architect for TG&Y for 33 years. From 1988 through 1997, he was Administrator of Asbestos Abatement for the State of Oklahoma. In 1997, Lynn retired and committed himself to matters of utmost importance…softball. Beginning in high school, Lynn played softball religiously and continued playing to the age of 90. His 70+ team, the Oklahoma City Royals, won the Senior World Championship in 2004 and he was also on the 2013 80+ World Championship team. His career in softball and commitment to the sport was honored by his induction into the Oklahoma Senior Softball Hall of Fame in 2010.

 He was a dedicated member of Crown Heights Christian Church for many years, where he served on the Tuesday Crew and cherished his friendships with the Lamplighters Sunday School Class.

His teammates still on the lineup card are his wife, Della; their five children: Lynde (Michael), Mike (Anita), Mark (Staci), Julie (Eric), and David (Marlo); their thirteen grandchildren: Kevin (Laurel), Ryno, Ally (Charlie), Matthew, Erin (Jeremy), Delaney (Caleb), David (Lindsey), Maeve (Brian), Maggie, Eli (Sarah), Amy, Eila, Emi, and; their four great grandchildren: Anderson, Graham, Kit, and Jovie. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, and two grandchildren, Brian and Katharyn.

 Poo and Maw rang in every new year with their grandkids, loudly celebrating on their driveway at midnight. Lynn loved ice cream, Coca-Cola, barbecue and pizza. He was an avid Oklahoma State fan (Go Pokes!) and lifelong season ticket holder, who proudly wore his Orange as often as possible. He loved family and being with them. Every party or family gathering was the “best one yet.” He had a great sense of humor and enjoyed sharing stories from his past. He was a compassionate, intelligent, amazing husband, father, grandfather, coach, teammate, neighbor, friend and human being. His play while still on the field was stellar. As we retire his number, we celebrate a life well lived.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Crown Heights Christian Church, 4020 N. Western Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73118.