Harry D. Flowers

Harry D. Flowers
Carrollton - Harry D. Flowers, age 88 of Carrollton passed away Sunday, December 8, 2024 at his residence. He was born November 12, 1936 in Woodville Township, the son of Jesse and Ethel Hires Flowers. He married Roselea Rhoades and she preceded him in death March 7, 1984; he then married Helen Rhoades-Evans August 17, 1984 and she preceded him in death August 30, 2023.
He is survived by his children, Marsha (Lorraine) Stoltz of Frederick, MD, Becky (Chris) Howard, JR (Gena) Flowers, Cindy Howard all of Carrollton, Kirby (Georgi) Flowers of Edwardsville; his step children, Butch (Janice) Evans, Junior (Cathy) Evans both of Carrollton, and Tunie (Mike) Brannan of Eldred; grandchildren, Joe R. Howard, Angela Nguyen, Katie Dudley, Nichole Flowers, Chad Flowers, Toby Howard, Jenny Arnett, Cory Howard, Leah Flowers, Krista Flowers, Brett Flowers; step grandchildren, Amy Struble, Linda Evans, Joe, Jake, Josh, Jon, and Dean Evans, Misty Borrowman, Megan Becker, Tim Brannan, and Kery Jo Baumgartner; forty-two great grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren, a sister, Eva (Richard) McFain of Carrollton, and many nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by his siblings, Viola Cradle, Murrel Flowers, James "Red" Flowers, Robert "Keith" Flowers, Kenneth Flowers, Imogene Childress Welch, and Jerry Flowers.
Harry had a long history with Pepsi Cola as a driver salesman, starting his career at Rosentreter's Carrollton Beverage Company in Carrollton. In 1963, he began working at Pepsi Cola in Alton, eventually transferring to Pepsi Cola in St. Louis, where he continued until his retirement. Over the course of 43 years with Pepsi, Harry often had his sons, their friends, and later his grandsons in tow, teaching them the value of hard work and a good joke.
Anyone who knew Harry wouldn't be surprised that he lasted only one year in retirement before seeking his next calling. He found it driving for Meals on Wheels with the Carrollton Senior Citizen Center, where he could visit and share more jokes with his "Angels," as he fondly referred to them.
Family was the most important thing to Harry, followed secondly by his love for his community. Throughout his life, he served as a Carrollton Alderman, on the Carrollton School Board, as a member of the Lions Club, and as a Deacon at the Lutheran Church in Carrollton. He was also a fixture in the Carrollton sports stands for decades, cheering on children, grandchildren, and later great-grandchildren.
Anyone who met Harry could not deny his love for life, his quick wit, and his talent for storytelling. He loved playing the guitar and "blessing" weddings with his signature song. Those of us fortunate enough to know Harry-in his words: a man of his ability, good looks and charm-know he truly was one of a kind.
Funeral services will be held 12 p.m. Saturday, December 14, 2024 at Airsman-Hires Funeral Home in Carrollton with burial to follow in Carrollton City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of services Saturday at the funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church or Carrollton Food Pantry. Condolences may be left online at www.airsman-hires.com