Benjamin Merritt Flanagan

1938 - 2016

Benjamin Merritt Flanagan

Great Falls —Benjamin (Ben) Merritt Flanagan, 78 of Great Falls, MT passed away peacefully Saturday, June 25, 2016 after a brave fight against COPD and congestive heart failure. A private family graveside service will be conducted at Highland Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held at Great Falls College, MSU in Heritage Hall at 5:00 pm, July 5th 2100 16th Ave South, Great Falls, MT. (Wear your favorite baseball sports cap, bring your best stories to share, and enjoy some food and beer in Ben's honor).

Ben was born April 30, 1938 in Great Falls, Montana to Mabel Pate Flanagan and Kenneth Wayne Flanagan. The story told is, he kicked out his twin, Charlie, 20 minutes early before making an entrance into this world. He was raised on a farm in the Castner Falls area near Cascade. Ben attended Travis Elementary and Cascade High School. He moved to Great Falls and joined the Navy when he was 19 years old. Ben returned to Great Falls after being honorably discharged. He married Karen Lorang in 1959 and they had three daughters. They later divorced. Ben married Kathleen (Bauch) Huffman in 1972 and became father to her three children as well.

Ben was a master painter working for several contractors before employment with the Civil Service at Malmstrom Air Force Base. He was also cross-trained as a locksmith and excelled in this trade until his retirement. Ben loved woodworking and created several pieces that will be treasured by many. He was a jack-of-all-trades and helped countless family and friends with various painting and other home projects. There wasn't anything he couldn't do, however, he shied away from electrical work referring to himself as "Short Circuit" thus leaving this area to the experts.

Ben was a hard worker all of his life but he played hard too! He loved to play cards, bingo, golf and softball. He played first base and was nicknamed "Stretch" as one leg touched first and the other stretched almost to second base. He loved to camp with family and friends. Once Kathy retired, they enjoyed traveling south in their motorhome and camping at various sites in multiple states as well as Montana. Ben had a love for bowling, playing on a men's league for several years. In addition, he and Kathy enjoyed Friday night mixed league. Ben attended many major league baseball games and regularly watched them on TV. His favorite team was the St. Louis Cardinals.

Ben is survived by his wife, Kathy of over 44 years. His children: Shelly (Val) Scott, Great Falls, MT; Kim (Jack) Morris, Deadwood, SD; Kelly Jo (Tracy) Mikes, Cascade, MT; Mitch Burnham, Sherwood, OR; Tim (Beth) Huffman, Great Falls, MT; Tammie (Doug) Hickey, Great Falls, MT; and Michelle (Darren) Brown, Great Falls, MT. Grandchildren: Leslie (Ryan) Seltzer, Great Falls, MT; Amy (Logan) Jones, Fort Collins, CO; Cody Schield, Great Falls, MT; Ashley (Josh) Repko, Colorado Springs, CO; Josh Huffman, Bozeman, MT; Dillon Morris, Rapid City, SD; Karly Morris, Las Vegas, NV; and Benjamin William Brown, Great Falls, MT. Great Grandchildren: Allie and Kyle Jones; Keenan and Quincy Seltzer; and Jay and Rylan Repko. Ben loved all of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He shared a special bond with his namesake grandson Benjamin Brown - they were best buddies!

Ben is also survived by his brothers and sister: Franklin Flanagan, Columbia Falls, MT; Faye Woxen, Great Falls, MT; Larry (Bonnie) Flanagan, Missoula, MT; and sisters-in-law, Clarice Flanagan, Great Falls, MT and Louise Flanagan, Chico, CA. Ben is survived by his in-laws: Betsy Olney (Beebe), Snohomish, WA; Marcia (Roy) Yurt, Park City, MT; Nancy Gilles, Great Falls, MT; Terry (Evelyn) Bauch, Great Falls, MT; Monte Bauch; Rita Kaye (Nick) Rossi, San Diego, CA; Donna Bauch, Great Falls, MT; and Merilee Bauch, Great Falls, MT. He is also survived by several extended family and friends who he equally treasured.

Ben was preceded in death by his parents Mabel and Kenneth Flanagan, his mother and father-in-law Mildred (Stokes) and Richard Bauch. His siblings: brothers, Ken, Jack, and Ben's twin Charles Flanagan as well as his sister, Lois Flanagan. His in laws: Ralph Woxen along with Bill, James, and Mike Bauch.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ben's honor to the Eagles Aerie #14, Peace Hospice, or the charity of your choice. Arrangements handled by Schnider Funeral Home.