Lynn Alan Corson Ph.D., 79, of Delphi, passed away late Tuesday night at IU Health Arnett Hospital, Lafayette. He has been in ill health the past few years. He was born in Andover, NH, to the late George & Pauline Fisher Corson. Lynn is survived by his wife of 36 years, Janet Ayres; son Michael & Michelle Corson from Rennes, France; grandson Nickolas Swartout of Columbus; and a great granddaughter Madison Swartout of Columbus; sister Linda Corson Ayres of Bedford, NH; niece DeeDee Gamache and nephew Greg Brousseau-Prosper. A daughter Laurie Swartout preceded him in death.

Lynn graduated from Milford, NH High School and Plymouth State College. After spending a few years as a high school biology teacher, he helped organize one of the first Community Action Programs in the country and was recognized for his leadership.

Lynn was awarded a fellowship to Missouri State University in Columbus to earn his Master's degree in community development. During this time he worked with black farmers to create cooperatives to earn more money. After receiving his degree, he moved to Michigan to become the Flint Assistant Town Manager, then went on to serve as an Assistant to Michigan Governor William Milliken.

Lynn was awarded a Mott Foundation Fellowship to pursue his Ph.D. in adult education from the University of Michigan. He then joined the faculty at Michigan State University and created an environmental institute to work with manufacturing firms across the State.

He moved to Purdue University in 1984 and created the Clean Manufacturing Technology Institute, an organization to assist small manufacturing firms to comply with State and Federal environmental regulations and remain profitable. He worked closely with the State legislature, State and Federal agencies also. During this time, he brought in more than $20 million dollars in grants to the University. He authored 40 research and technical reports, books, and journal articles. After 25 years at Purdue, he retired in 2011.

Lynn's avocation was historic preservation. He and his wife bought the historic Baum-Shaeffer farm, just South of Delphi in 1985, and proceeded to restore the property. Lynn did most all of the work on the house, barns, and other buildings. The property is a National Registry property. Lynn became a very active community volunteer. He was a co-founder of the Carroll County Heritage Tourism Group and worked diligently to identify and place highway markers for all historic and natural resource sites in the county. He was also a co-founder of the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce, Adams Mill, Inc., Delphi Preservation Society and Historic Bridge Coalition. He served in many positions with DPS, including president, and co-led the effort to purchase the building that is now the Delphi Opera House. He served on several other local and regional boards. Later in life, his real passion became serving as a CASA (court appointed special advocate) volunteer and being an advocate for children.

Services: Dr. Corson's visitation will be Monday-May 3, 2021 at the Bringhurst United Methodist Church, 1468 S. 10 W. Bringhurst, IN 46913, from 11:00am until his funeral service there at 2:00pm. Pastor Brad Burton will officiate. Burial will be at Maple Lawn Cemetery, Flora. Memorial contributions in Lynn's honor may be made to the Carroll County CASA. Envelopes will be available at the church. To view Dr. Corson's obit and send a online condolence to the family, visit: http://www.abbottfuneralhome.com

Abbott Funeral Home, Inc., Delphi is assisting the family with arrangements.