Richard W. Flanagan

Richard W. Flanagan, 81, of Benton Harbor, passed away, Wednesday, March 4, 2009 at Lakeland Continuing Care Center in St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life Eternal Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1965 Broadway Ave., Benton Harbor with Rev. Paul Naumann officiating. Burial of ashes will follow at Spring Run Cemetery in Scottdale. Friends may call beginning at 10:00 A.M. Monday at the church. Memorials may be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church or to Lakeland Hospice. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at “http://www.starks-menchinger.com/��� Mr. Flanagan was born July 20, 1927 in Ashland, Ohio to Roy Vern & Mary Ella (Moyer) Flanagan. He served his country during WWII in the US Army. On August 3, 1957, Dick married the former Juanita (Hensley) Harris in Benton Harbor. He was employed by Dallas & Mavis Forwarding Co. in South Bend, retiring in 1984 after 29 years. Dick was then employed at Vail Rubber works in St. Joseph until 1997. He was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church where he volunteered his time for snow removal in the winter months. Dick also volunteered at Lakeland Hospital. He enjoyed walking at the mall, where he made many friends; doing crossword puzzles, and following his grandchildren’s activities, especially attending their horse shows. Mr. Flanagan is survived by his wife Juanita; step-children Linda (John) Tahah of Moore OK, Bob (Barb) Harris of Baroda, Jack (Kathy) Harris of St. Joseph, Richard (Darlene) Harris of Lomira, WI; step-daughter-in-law Kathy Harris of Pensacola, FL; fourteen step-grandchildren, eight step-great-grandchildren and many nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his step son Ted Harris, his brother Dean Flanagan, and his sister Mary Dawn McCormick.