BOONE, Iowa—Lyndon Kirk Dighton, age 83, passed away May 20, 2024, at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames, surrounded by his family.
Lyndon was born September 24, 1940, in his childhood home in Coggon, Iowa, to Duane and Irene (Kirkpatrick) Dighton. He grew up on the family farm with three brothers and a sister. He graduated from Coggon High School and then the University of Northern Iowa, graduating with a degree in education. He later went on to receive his master’s degree in education.
While at UNI, Lyn met the love of his life, Sherryl Ellingson. He knew she was the one, and within a year, they were married on December 28, 1963, in a blizzard in Popejoy, Iowa. The young couple moved to Hawarden, Iowa, where Lyn began his teaching and coaching career.
In 1968, Lyn and Sherryl moved to Boone, where he continued to teach and coach at Boone High School until his retirement in 2000. Lyn taught Drivers Education and the occasional science class while in Boone. He also coached football, wrestling, and softball. Developing student-athletes, whether in the classroom (car), gridiron, wrestling room, or on the diamond, was extremely rewarding to him. He was able to take a number of his softball teams to the state tournament, something he is very proud of.
Lyn was a member of the Boone First United Methodist Church. He also was a member of the Daybreakers Kiwanis Club. He liked to golf, play the piano, do wood carvings, spend time with friends, and the Green Bay Packers. He also enjoyed horseback riding with the Ol’ Geezers Club.
Lyn’s true passion was his family. Lyn and Sherryl just celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this past December. He loved following first his children’s activities in high school and college. He was then blessed to be able to follow all his grandkid’s as well. After coaching, he was a constant fixture in the bleachers, auditorium, or streaming games at home with his wife.
Lyndon was preceded in death by his parents, an infant daughter, Sherri Lyn, and a brother, Dave Dighton.
He is survived by Sherryl, his wife of 60 years; daughter Sally (Ian) Overland; sons, Dan (Sally) Dighton and Jeff (Ammie) Dighton; grandchildren: Jordan (Koby) Pritchard, Mitch (Lauren) Overland, Carrie (Alex) Fox, Ben Dighton, Ryan (Katie) Dighton, Emma Dighton, Paige Dighton, Carter Dighton, and Phoebie Dighton; great-grandchildren: Gavyn Pritchard, Finley Pritchard, baby Pritchard, and Charlotte Overland.
Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at the First United Methodist Church in Boone, with Pastor Adam Gordon officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at Schroeder-Stark-Welin Funeral Home in Boone. Visitation will resume Wednesday morning, from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church. Interment will be at Linwood Park Cemetery in Boone.
The family would like to request those attending the funeral service or visitation to wear red in memory of Lyndon.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family to use at their discretion.
Schroeder-Stark-Welin Funeral Home, 609 7th Street, Boone is assisting the family with these arrangements.
Lyndon “Lyn” Dighton, 83, Boone, Iowa
