David H. Flanders Sr.

1924 - 2018

BORN

1924

DIED

2018

FUNERAL HOME

Carson-Speaks Chapel

1501 W. Lexington Ave.

Independence, Missouri

David Flanders Obituary

David H. Flanders Sr. David H. Flanders, Sr. was born in Independence, MO on March 5, 1924 to Helen Crick Flanders and Arthur Douglass Flanders. Dave attended Bryant Elementary, Bingham Junior High and graduated in 1942 from William Chrisman High School in Independence. At William Chrisman he was active in drama, cheer and in ROTC where he excelled in marksmanship and cadet leadership. His family owned building materials and construction businesses in Independence, and he was fortunate to have lots of family in the area. He and his older brother Doug were very close and enjoyed many shared hobbies and activities throughout their lives. They especially enjoyed time at the family summer home at Lake Lotawana. Dave loved lake living and knew at a young age where he wanted to live and raise his own family. Colorblindness kept him from pursuing his dream of flying military planes, and he declined an appointment to West Point in 1942 in favor of serving his country in WWII. Dave entered the U.S. Army in 1943 and served in the South Pacific campaign. He was trained as a combat engineer and was honored to serve his country in historic landings on Guam, Leyte, Okinawa and Japan after they surrendered. He received the Bronze Star and was honorably discharged in December, 1945. While at an Army training exercise in Virginia in 1944, he agreed to do a favor for his best Army buddy, Harvey Field, by going on a blind date with Harvey's girlfriend's younger sister. Dave tried hard to avoid the date, but when he met June Huggins, the "little sister", he was smitten. So was she. He was not the least bit hesitant to tell anyone who'd listen that theirs was love at first sight. Dave and June were married in 1946 and built their own home at Lake Lotawana with the help of family and friends. Dave graduated from Kansas City Junior College in engineering and opened Flanders Lumber & Supply Company in 1950 with his brother and father. He'd entered the Army Reserves upon discharge from the regular Army, and served as a First Lieutenant following a call to active duty during the Korean Conflict in 1950. He trained troops in Kentucky and Washington and was honorably discharged from his last post in Seattle as a Battalion Commander. He and June would attend Army reunions from both the 407th and 233rd Combat Engineers Divisions for the next 50+ years. Dave and June raised three children, Dave Jr., John and Jennifer at Lake Lotawana. Dave was the Scoutmaster of Troop 366, outdoor sports counselor at summer church camps, served in the priesthood of the RLDS Church, and was very dedicated to his community. Dave served 55 years in city, county and lake association governance and board positions. Those who knew him well remember him as the man who would always listen carefully, take lots of notes, and then ask a lot of questions before he weighed in with his views. His memory for details was legendary at Lotawana Association Director meetings, and his "briefcase" lives on. Dave suffered a stroke in 2008 and June passed away in early 2009. He resided at Bickford Mission Springs Assisted Living until he passed away on August 8, 2018. The family is grateful to the loving staff at Mission Springs for the many years of service and care they provided June and Dave. Dave Flanders is survived by his son David H. Flanders, Jr. (Ann, Fairway, KS), son John H. Flanders (Luann, Park City, UT), a daughter Jennifer F. Gauck (Dale, Greensburg, IN); 7 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Lake Lotawana Community Club, #1 Lake Lotawana Rd., Lake Lotawana, MO 64086. Visitation is from 1-2 p.m. followed by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, August 11, 2018 at the Carson-Speaks Funeral Home, 1501 W. Lexington Ave., Independence, MO 64052. Internment will take place following the services at Mound Grove Cemetery in Independence, MO. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com Arrangements: Carson-Speaks Chapel (816) 252-7900

Published by Kansas City Star on Aug. 10, 2018.
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5 Entries

Dave, Ann, Lindsey and Mel,

I am sorry we are out of town and unable to be there to share the beautiful memories of your Dad. He was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed.

Sending Love and Hugs,

Susie and Mike

August 11, 2018

Many years ago Dave and his dad pulled into our yard, pulling a Airstream trailer, from Missouri and wanted to talk to Dad. Who would ever believe this would turn into a life time friendship! ( I was just a kid)
After Bob and I were married the annual hunting party continued for many years. Our girls Kris and Kati couldn't wait for the Flanders to come hunting pulling the Jeep and dogs. We have so many Memories, and oh the stories we could tell!

Our thought and prayers are headed your way!!

Ya know its a day like this that we need a sip of Sweet Lucy
Bob & Kay

Kay & Bob Kennicutt

August 11, 2018

So sorry for your loss.

A toast of Kentucky bonded bourbon to Dave,

Mark Waechter

August 10, 2018

I am so sorry for your loss. It is always hard to lose a loved one in death and our loving heavenly Father is very aware and understands the pain you feel. He will give you comfort during this difficult time. (Psalms 86:6,7) Your family has my deepest sympathy,

VO

August 10, 2018

Melissa Cudworth-Hultberg

August 10, 2018

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Memorial Events
for David Flanders

Aug

11

Visitation

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Carson-Speaks Chapel

1501 W. Lexington Ave., Independence, MO 64052

Aug

11

Funeral service

2:00 p.m.

Carson-Speaks Chapel

1501 W. Lexington Ave., Independence, MO 64052

Funeral services provided by:

Carson-Speaks Chapel

1501 W. Lexington Ave., Independence, MO 64052

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