John T. Flanagan

John Thomas, son of Thomas J. and Nan (Dowden) Flanagan was born on September 17, 1917 in Des Moines and lived in Iowa, Michigan, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, and the last 30 years in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He served in the Philippines in World War II. John married Betty Boock, his wife of almost 64 years, in 1940 and together they traveled the world. John was multi-talented--he built houses, repaired cars, crafted stained glass windows, and made a career as an upper level executive with a seat belt manufacturer. For the last six years, John was a resident of Oak Crest Manors in Kentwood, Michigan. He passed away there on August 26, 2010 at the age of 92 years, 11 months and 9 days. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty, in 2004; brothers James, Patrick, and infant Joseph; sisters Rose, Margaret and Patricia. John is survived by his son, David (Judy) Flanagan of Wayland, MI; daughters, Nancy (Larry) Memmer of Howell, MI and Mary Jane Flanagan (Grant Skomski) of Mt. Pleasant, MI; grandchildren, Scott (Kymberli) Flanagan, Susan (Scott) Franzen, Richard (Amy) Flanagan, Cathy (Eric) Steinorth, Carol Pummill, Katie Skomski Flanagan, Melissa (Pat) Hocking, Lisa (Collin) Davis; thirteen great-grandchildren; brother Richard (Joan) Flanagan, sister Mary (Henry) Jones, and sister-in-law Dolores Flanagan. Celebrant Reverend Robert Gralapp Lectors Mary Jane Flanagan Grant Skomski Eucharistic Minister David Flanagan Gift Bearers Judy Flanagan Larry Memmer Music "Amazing Grace" Rick Emas, Bag Pipes "Danny Boy" Vocalist "Lord of the Dance" "On Eagle's Wings" Sacred Heart Choir Pat Heithoff, Organist Honorary Casket Bearers John's Grandchildren