Floyd Merlynn Colip, known as Lynn or “Doc", a longtime resident of Norton, Kansas, died on August 28, 2024 in Loveland, Colorado, at the age of 89. He was a family physician and farmer in Norton.
Lynn was born March 24, 1935, on the family farm northeast of Almena, Kansas, to Floyd and Bernice (Hines) Colip. His grandparents were homesteaders in Norton County. Lynn graduated from Almena Rural High School in 1953 and earned an FFA State Farmer Degree. Lynn followed his sister June into the healthcare field, graduating from the University of Kansas in 1957 and KU School of Medicine in 1961. At KU Lynn met his beloved wife, Joan Eubank from Pratt, Kansas, and they married on August 18, 1957. His love for the Lord was his grounding and compass in life. Lynn and Joan raised four children in Norton—Janet, Susan, Polly, and Michael.
For 38 years, Lynn practiced family medicine in Norton where he served three generations of some families and delivered 1200 babies. He practiced with esteemed partners Drs. Long, Hartman, Hartley, Meyer, and Silan; plus his nurse clinician Jean Ann Wilson, along with many valued nurses and staff at the clinic and Norton County Hospital.
Early in his medical practice, Lynn became concerned with helping community members who were struggling with alcohol addiction. This concern was shared by Rev. Bob Adams, and in 1967 they cofounded Valley Hope Treatment Center in Norton, along with the support of many Norton community leaders. Valley Hope Addiction Treatment and Recovery Centers are now located in six states and have helped hundreds of thousands of people with addictions. Lynn served on the Valley Hope board for over 50 years.
The love of the land was Lynn’s heritage, and also he was a lifelong farmer and later rancher. Lynn loved a picnic on the farm, a walk in the pasture, rides on the goat swings, telling stories, hosting Colip family reunions, and teaching his children and grandchildren to work on the farm. His wife Joan was his number one supporter.
The Colip family worshiped and served at Norton Christian Church, where Lynn was an elder and Sunday School teacher, and he also served on the Manhattan Christian College board. After retirement, Lynn spearheaded the effort to build Pikes Peak Regional Hospital in Woodland Park, Colorado. He was a life member and served as a board trustee for the Christian Medical & Dental Associations, and attending their annual family conferences at Deer Valley Ranch in Colorado was a highlight for the whole family.
Lynn understood the inevitable failing of physical bodies and the limitations of medicine, he knew that weather often limited the best farming practices, and he knew that life could bring uncertainties and sorrows. But he knew one commitment that would last into eternity, and as a teenager he gave his life to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. His life verse was from Revelation 2:10, “Be faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”
Lynn was preceded in death by his parents and sister June Dunavan. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Joan; daughter Janet (David Chestnut), daughter Susan (Jim Backer), daughter Polly Colip, and son Michael (Nanette); 14 grandchildren with seven spouses; and 10 great-grandchildren; one nephew and two nieces.
A private burial will be held at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Almena, Kansas. A memorial service in Norton will be held at a later date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, suggested memorials include Norton Regional Health Foundation, Norton Christian Church, or Valley Hope Foundation.
Condolences may be sent to Joan Colip, Pioneer House, 490 Mirasol Drive, Loveland, CO 80537 or left at www.plumergobber.com Arrangements by: Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home, 215 W. Main St., Norton, KS 67654.