Obituaries

Lynn Earl Poorman

Photo of Lynn Earl Poorman
Lynn Earl Poorman, University of Arkansas Rugby pioneer, Roger's Rec regular and icon of our beloved Dickson Street, passed away Wednesday, March 26, 2014. Mr. Poorman was born Sept. 16, 1959, in Fort Rucker, Ala., to Gussie Marie Wilson and Delbert Earl Poorman. Survivors include his sister, Colonel USMC (ret.) Dell Marie Dempsey of New Orleans, La.; a niece, Miss Ryan Laurie of Jacksonville, N.C.; and a nephew, Robert Howard Laurie of Asheville, N.C. Lynn attended schools in Paris and Barling, then graduated from Fort Smith Northside High School. Lynn Poorman's career and involvement in establishing rugby football in the state of Arkansas will undoubtedly earn him a nomination into the Arkansas Rugby Hall of Fame. Our brother and dear friend, Lynn, was one of the fearless leaders of the University of Arkansas Men's Rugby Football Club throughout the early 1980s. He was deeply involved in organizing the inaugural Hog Wild Rugby Tournament Classic in 1985. Lynn was among the founding members of the University of Arkansas Men's Alumni "Old Boar's" Rugby Football Club in the 1980s. He was a USA Rugby certified referee and he refereed Ozark Rugby Union Women's League rugby matches in the 1980s and 1990s. Lynn had an eye for recognizing beauty in the ordinary as well as the extraordinary. His collection of quirky fine art and pop art is undoubtedly the best in our region. The art of Salvador Dali and Stan Lee were two of Lynn's strongest influences. He was an enthusiastic Robert E. Howard fan. He was a lover of BMW motorcycles and everything connected to the "Munich Design School," particularly the period preceding 1950. Lynn was a vinyl connoisseur and he had an impressive collection of vinyl LPs dating to the early 1960s. He preferred the popping and hissing of a classic ‘33 LP to the shallow audio of a Pandora or Spotify playlist on his iPod or iPhone. His Newton county home south of Osage is an artistic and architectural landmark. Lynn will be dearly missed by his "Barling Brothers," Tim, Jerry and Audie. His departure from Fayetteville and this world feels premature. Lynn's generosity and friendship will be carried on with us all in our hearts forever. Funeral services will be held at St. Paul Episcopal Church on Friday, April 4, 2014, at 4 p.m., with the Rev. Lowell Grisham officiating. Reception to follow immediately at Roger's Rec on Dickson Street. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Lynn Poorman's name to St. Paul Episcopal Church.

Published April 3, 2014

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