Vernon Franklin Flanagan Jr.
March 22, 1950 ~ December 24, 2020 (age 70) 70 Years Old
Tribute
Vernon Franklin "Frank" Flanagan, Jr. passed away at his home in Estero, Florida on Thursday, December 24, 2020, at the age of 70.
Frank was born in Tampa, FL on March 22, 1950. He graduated high school in the spring of 1968 from Robinson High in Tampa, FL. In the fall, he enrolled in St. Peter Junior College but in December, he was drafted by the United States Airforce to be stationed in Anchorage, Alaska at Elmendorf Airforce Base. Through the Airforce, his love of aviation grew and his trade as a jet engine mechanic flourished. Frank completed a four-year tour and was honorably discharged in February 1973. In the fall of 1973, he began his career with Northwest Orient Airlines in Anchorage, Alaska. He would leave Alaska for Minnesota where his 43 year career with NWA would end and an additional 5 years continued with Delta Airlines. Never a man to sit still, he quickly discovered a love of driving — both motorcoach & after-school activity buses around the metro area of Minnesota and beyond, all the way up to Alaska and Canada. His passengers & student-athletes became fast friends and relationships he would cherish until his very end.
Frank was hard-working, hard-loving with an admirable zest for life. He never met a stranger, never knew an enemy and has been a best friend to all. We have never known a man with a bigger heart, forever willing to lend a hand. If you had a question, he had the answer. If it was broke, he could fix it and make it even better. He was fun & funny, gave the best hugs, the firmest handshakes, had a booming laugh and an enviable mustache. A simple man. A man’s man. Husband, father, brother, uncle, friend. If you knew him, you loved him. He will be so deeply missed.
Frank is survived by his loving wife of 19 years Susie Flanagan, sister Shirley McGuire, brother Robert Flanagan, son Mathew (Renee) Flanagan, daughter Annie (Ben) Miebs, stepdaughter Shawn (Jason) Nelson and 7 adorable grandchildren, Tavian, Tayana, Averee, Jack, Dylan, Ellie & Tess, nieces Lynne Waddell & Callie Bray and great niece Macy Lancaster. Frank is proceeded in death by his mother Maude Flanagan, his stepmother & father Helen & Vernon Franklin Flanagan, Sr.
As a Senior Airman, Frank will have full military honors at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN and his life will be celebrated this summer, 2021. Service & celebration dates will be publicly announced when they are made available by Fort Snelling and family.
Frank was born in Tampa, FL on March 22, 1950. He graduated high school in the spring of 1968 from Robinson High in Tampa, FL. In the fall, he enrolled in St. Peter Junior College but in December, he was drafted by the United States Airforce to be stationed in Anchorage, Alaska at Elmendorf Airforce Base. Through the Airforce, his love of aviation grew and his trade as a jet engine mechanic flourished. Frank completed a four-year tour and was honorably discharged in February 1973. In the fall of 1973, he began his career with Northwest Orient Airlines in Anchorage, Alaska. He would leave Alaska for Minnesota where his 43 year career with NWA would end and an additional 5 years continued with Delta Airlines. Never a man to sit still, he quickly discovered a love of driving — both motorcoach & after-school activity buses around the metro area of Minnesota and beyond, all the way up to Alaska and Canada. His passengers & student-athletes became fast friends and relationships he would cherish until his very end.
Frank was hard-working, hard-loving with an admirable zest for life. He never met a stranger, never knew an enemy and has been a best friend to all. We have never known a man with a bigger heart, forever willing to lend a hand. If you had a question, he had the answer. If it was broke, he could fix it and make it even better. He was fun & funny, gave the best hugs, the firmest handshakes, had a booming laugh and an enviable mustache. A simple man. A man’s man. Husband, father, brother, uncle, friend. If you knew him, you loved him. He will be so deeply missed.
Frank is survived by his loving wife of 19 years Susie Flanagan, sister Shirley McGuire, brother Robert Flanagan, son Mathew (Renee) Flanagan, daughter Annie (Ben) Miebs, stepdaughter Shawn (Jason) Nelson and 7 adorable grandchildren, Tavian, Tayana, Averee, Jack, Dylan, Ellie & Tess, nieces Lynne Waddell & Callie Bray and great niece Macy Lancaster. Frank is proceeded in death by his mother Maude Flanagan, his stepmother & father Helen & Vernon Franklin Flanagan, Sr.
As a Senior Airman, Frank will have full military honors at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN and his life will be celebrated this summer, 2021. Service & celebration dates will be publicly announced when they are made available by Fort Snelling and family.
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