Thomas Elbert Flynn

THOMAS FLYNN

EAST ALTON — Thomas Elbert Flynn, 78, passed away suddenly at 7:44 p.m, Friday, May 2, 2014, at Alton Memorial Hospital with his family at his side.

He was born in Alton on Sept. 23, 1935, the son of the late Elbert Homer and Mae Sue (Kelly) Flynn.

Tom was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and so much more. He loved life, his Lord, and his family, as well as his country. He was a 45-year employee of National Gould Auto Supply in Alton, retiring in 2000 as a Master Counterman. In addition, as an ordained minister, he enjoyed sharing the word of God and his wisdom of the Bible. He will be sorely missed and we will remember and try to emulate all the positive character traits he possessed.

He married the former Gloria Rowland on March 25, 1968, in Alton, and the two celebrated 43 years together before her death on June 2, 2011.

Surviving are his seven children and their spouses, Thomas Flynn and his fiancee', Cindy Goben of Alton, Elaina and Kevin Osterbur of Highland, Carla and Michael Maynard of Alton, Steven Bunch of Naples, Fla., Bryan Thompson of East Alton, Lillian and Richard Smith of East Alton, and Michael and Czizette Flynn of Oak Harbor, Wash.; 13 grandchildren and their spouses, Andrea Battles, Chaunta and Craig Davis, Miranda and Derek Wall, Richard and Brianne Smith, Kristina Smith, Matthew Smith, Amber Flynn, Michael Johns, David and Crystal Flynn, Meghan Osterbur, Kyle Osterbur, Izabelle Flynn and Ryder Flynn; and 22 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents and his wife, Gloria Flynn, he was preceded in death by a beloved daughter, Jill Ellen (Flynn) Saunders, who passed away two days later on Sunday, May 4, 2014; a brother, John Richard Flynn; and a sister, Anita Sue Beatty.

Friends and family are invited to attend the combined visitation for Thomas and his daughter Jill from 4 to 8 p.m., on Thursday, May 8, 2014, at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville, where combined funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m., Friday, May 9. Rev. Larry Kershner will officiate.

Burial will take place in the Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto.

Memorials may be given to the Jill Saunders Memorial Fund either at the funeral home or US Bank in Alton, Ill.