John M. Flatten, Jr.
1935-2019
John Flatten finished his courageous fight with glioblastoma on April 26. John was born in his grandparents' house in Parnell, Missouri, on Sept. 23, 1935. He was the oldest of 6 children. His early years were spent in Lincoln, Nebraska, where he excelled in school athletics and became a lifelong Nebraska, Cornhuskers fan. in 1952,John's family moved to San Antonio where his father had been transferred with the US Air Force during the Korean War. In San Antonio, John graduated from St. Gerard H.S.,served in the Air National Guard, and graduated from St. Mary's University and its School of Law. He was admitted to the State Bar of Texas in 1960 and remained a member until his death.
John moved to Houston in 1965 and worked in various real estate capacities and as an independent land man. He worked in all parts of Texas and in several other states including California, Michigan, and Minnesota, and for a year, in Kazakhstan.
John was predeceased by his parents, Col and Mrs. John M. Flatten, Sr. and his sister, Mary. He is survived by his four brothers, Col F. P. Flatten and his wife, Tina; Daniel V. Flatten and his wife, Connie; Gerald R. Flatten and his wife, Carol; and Edward J. F. Flatten; and by numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. With the twinkle in his eye and his tricks, jokes and joinder in their games, he was a favorite of theirs. His wide circle of friends attest to his gregarious personality and ready wit. He enjoyed dancing, skiing, cycling and second-guessing college and professional athletes and coaches. He will be missed.
John's family gives grateful thanks to his many friends for their unfailing cheer and support in his last illness. A private service is planned.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Houston Chronicle on May 9, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for John Flatten

Sponsored by Neptune Society - Houston.

20 Entries

Jo Barrie

May 3, 2023

John was an entertaining gentleman, I´m glad he lived a long life.

Rhonda Evans

October 4, 2022

I visited this page about two years ago. I worked with John at CBRES in the Chevron office downtown. I was always amazed at his spunk and wit. He was a good person and a good friend. We kept in touch even after he left the company. When I could not reach him, I searched the internet and was saddened to have found that he had passed. I will forever treasure his lingering laughter and joyous memories of his wittingly bright personality. Rest In Peace my friend.
- Rhonda Evans

Ann Shetzer

July 26, 2020

My father, Ted Shetzer, who recently turned 94, worked with John at Chevron here in Houston and they remained friends even after retirement. We used to drive downtown to meet John for lunch at the cathedral and all the way there and back my dad would tell me what a great guy John was both personally and professionally. We will both remember him very fondly.

JOHNNY KINDER

June 7, 2020

Your California Delta crew will always miss you. Fair winds sailor.

Good Guy

Larry Hord

May 28, 2019

I was John's roommate and companion on the slopes on his very last ski trip, to Whitefish, MT in 2015. He was 79yo and was completely courageous for a man of any age.
A "yard sale" style fall did not deter him. He picked up everything, got back in his skis, and kept moving. It was very inspirational. He was a fun condo mate and loyal bud also.

Laura Carmin

May 21, 2019

I knew John for many years both through the Space City Ski Club and bumping into him at various events and dance clubs in and around Houston. He was always charming and ready with a big hug and smile and I will miss his easy company.
Laura Carmin

May 20, 2019

John was devoted to his brothers and was a loyal friend to many. In 1973 I purchased my first home on Heights Blvd. for $13,000 and John was the realtor. We became friends and I would visit him at his office on 18th Street and later on South Shepherd. During one visit I rode with John to see a property in Woodland Heights. It was very expensive and so I did not mention the house to my wife. But John did. And so John was also the realtor when I bought my second home where I lived for about thirty years. John would visit when my young children would have a birthday party. They had a lot of parties over the years and received many presents. But my children will never forgot the presents from John Flatten. You do not forget when you open a present in front of 40 people and find a commode plunger or a roll of toilet paper. Yes John was a prankster. But if you were a friend of John it would be for a lifetime. When I became a widower John would keep in touch and we went to social activities often. John called me when he was told about his health and we had a few phone conversations. He still had his sense of humor and a remarkable amount of courage and calmness. Everyone needs a friend like John Flatten.

Betsy Fowler-Regier

May 14, 2019

I hold many, many wonderful memories of John. Rest in peace, my dear friend.

Louella Steller

May 13, 2019

He will be missed by all his friends.

Mary McMahon

May 13, 2019

I met John about twenty years ago. I was hosting a dance. He asked me to dance and when we finished dancing he said to me, Mary Anne, I just want you to know that men only dance because women want them to dance. I was stunned and then he burst into laughter. I realized that he was a jokester. That began a great friendship. John was smart, humorous and loyal. I will always value my friendship with him. It is a sad day without him. I send my heartfelt condolences to his family.
Sincerely,
Mary Anne McMahon

Cheryl Dornak

May 13, 2019

We had a lot of laughs though Aunt Ann's Club. You and Frank were always pulling pranks. Enjoyed being in your circle of friends. Enjoyed the holiday phone calls to keep in touch. May you Rest In Peace.

Theodore Lapesh

May 11, 2019

I first met John in 1966 when we were both members of the Saint Ann's Club. We were friends over the years and did things together occasionally, which included a cruise to Hawaii from San Francisco. He and I had a Cornhusker Connection, since were both from Nebraska. A couple years ago while I was on my farm in Nebraska, I came home and round John sitting on my front porch. It was a pleasant surprise and I will always remember John as a decent and honest man. May he rest in peace.

Jo Barrie

May 11, 2019

John was a unique character, a thoughtful, humorous, and humble friend. He was interested in all sorts of things and often surprised me with tidbits of knowledge or unexpected anecdotes. He liked to write about his adventures, in childhood and as an adult, and enjoyed sharing them with friends he knew would appreciate it. God rest your soul, John. Peace to you.

Leslie Cashio

May 11, 2019

We had the pleasure of knowing John for several years. He always had a smile on his face and some amusing anecdote to impart. John was truly a delight to be around. We will miss him.

Leslie & Andy Cashio

May 9, 2019

John and I were good friends for many years. He will certainly be missed. God Bless him and all of his family. My sympathies extend to all of you. Gerry Trabucco Koehler

Joseph Hale

May 9, 2019

I had the pleasure of knowing John since 1971. He was always lots of fun, and I saw him frequently in recent years as we watched various sporting events and visited longtime friends who were incapacitated. Those visits needless to say meant so much to John's friends and are proof of his big heart and caring personality. I will miss him a great deal but also realize he had an interesting and fulfilling life.

J. Joseph (Joe) Hale

May 9, 2019

Losing a loved one is never easy, but our loving god promises to give the strength and courage you'll need to endure, and to cope with the pain of your loss. He also promises to hold your hand every step of the way. (Isaiah 40:29, 41:10, 13)

Charlie and Nancy O'Hare

May 8, 2019

John was an honorable man and a good friend for fifty years. His engaging character, good humor and gentlemanly ways always brightened our day. We will miss him. Charlie and Nancy O'Hare

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