Don Lynn, 92, and Betty Lynn, 88, sit in their office at their home in Kennett. Don and Betty (Moore) Lynn have been together as husband and wife the vast majority of their lives. Family bonds are a key focus for the couple, a reality seen through framed photos that decorate their walls with memories.

Wedding photos and an embroidered wall hanging are pictured in the hallway of Don and Betty Lynn’s home. The Lynns were married Dec. 8, 1956, after a whirlwind courtship. It wasn’t what Betty expected, as she vowed to never be a farmer’s wife. That vow, however, changed to “I do” when she met Don. “I knew I really liked him,” Betty said. “My dad really liked him – I think that might have been a deciding factor.”

Betty Lynn opens a door to the closet at her home. Don and Betty’s growing family tree currently includes four children, their spouses, and 16 grand and great grandchildren. Time is visible on a closet door. “I love them so much,” Betty said of her family. “And they’re genuinely good, smart – intelligent – and they’re good to us.”

Don Lynn reads the newspaper at his home. Don always knew he wanted to be a farmer. “You’re kind of your own boss,” he said. “It’s very satisfying.” Even at 92 years old, he still is actively involved in directing day-to-day work, whether that’s calling to check in on employees or market rates.

A cotton field near Don and Betty Lynn’s home. Crops on the Lynns’ land change with the seasons. At times, the list includes soybeans, watermelons, corn, oats, wheat, rye and potatoes. Peanuts have proved a worthwhile recent addition, Don said. He’s also considering adding carrots in the future. 

Don and Betty Lynn sit at the kitchen table at their home. The Lynns moved from the farm in the early 1970s. They built the house – based on plans found in a farming magazine – as a home for their family.

Don Lynn drives his truck to visit farmland near Kennett. The Lynns still regularly visit their land, some of which they own, while other acreage they lease. Don often heads out in the morning to make plans and give instructions, and he comes back and gets Betty for an afternoon run. “In the morning, I do my laundry, pay the bills, clean the house,” Betty said. “Then my afternoons are free to spend with him.”

A bright red barn is tucked away on the Lynns’ land, moved to its current spot when the couple had cattle. It stands near where they used to camp on weekends when their kids were young. “Everybody ought to have a red barn,” he said.

Don drives a red truck on a gravel road at his farm near Kennett, Mo. “It’s been a good life – it really has.”