Dr. David Lyn Innes

Dr. David Lyn Innes, age 83, of Forsyth, Georgia, passed away peacefully on August 6, 2025. He was born on December 19, 1941, to Harry and Bea Innes in Cleveland, Ohio. After graduating Fairview Park High School, he earned his BS degree at Ohio Wesleyan University, where he met the love of his life, Janet Koons. David and Janet were married in 1964, and had two children, a daughter Debbie and a son Jonathan. David loved his family with a passion, and his highest priority in life was making sure that his family was well cared for and happy.

Once married, David continued his education, first earning a Master of Science degree from the University of Cincinnati in 1966, and then earning a PhD from The Ohio State University in 1969. A lifelong learner, David was not content with a doctorate degree in physiology and went back to school late in his career to earn a Juris Doctorate degree from the William F. George School of Law at Mercer University in 2005.

As much as David loved being a student, he loved teaching even more. During a career that spanned almost 60 years, David taught at Ohio Wesleyan University, Temple University in Philadelphia, The Ohio State University and at the Mercer University School of Medicine in Macon, Georgia. It was his love of teaching that brought him to Macon in 1980 to become the 1st faculty member at the newly formed medical school.

In addition to his professional interests, David had a multitude of hobbies, including model trains, woodworking, and gardening, just to name a few. David had a wide range of interests throughout the years which he shared with Janet, including travel, ballroom dancing, and perusing craft fairs to their hearts’ content. Yet despite his love of staying active and busy, one of David’s favorite things to do was to plant himself under an umbrella at the beach with his feet buried in the sand while reading mystery novels from early morning until cocktail hour. The only thing that made him happier was when his children and grandchildren were able to join him for his time at the shore.

In the late 80’s, David and Janet moved from Macon to their beloved Forsyth, where they put down roots and developed friendships that have literally lasted a lifetime. David loved to sing, and he sang in church choirs most of his life, as well as singing in the glee club at Ohio Wesleyan. When David and Janet joined the Forsyth Methodist Church, he shared his musical talents by joining both the choir and the handbell choir. He also taught Sunday School for many years and participated in numerous other activities whenever possible. David truly was a good and faithful servant to his God, his family, his friends, and his church.

David is survived by his devoted wife of almost 61 years, Janet L. Innes, and by his loving family members, daughter Debra L. May (Jim), son Jonathan L. Innes, grandchildren Jessica May Walker, Kristen M. May, James M. May, and Samuel L. Innes. He was preceded in death by his parents and by his brother, Marc Innes.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on 11:00AM August 23, 2025, at Forsyth Methodist Church. Despite his love of flowers and gardening, David would appreciate, in lieu of flowers, that contributions be made to Forsyth Methodist Church or to a university of your choice in his name.

Monroe County Memorial Chapel, 86 West Main Street, Forsyth, Georgia, has charge of the arrangements.