KEOTA-Robert M. Flynn, age 89, of Keota, died Saturday, May 21, 2011, at the Washington County Hospital in Washington.
Robert was born December 15, 1921, in Washington, Iowa, the son of Michael and Mary Almyra (Taylor) Flynn and graduated from Washington High School. After graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Navy for six years. Bob was on ship during the Pearl Harbor attack. He served on several ships, including the USS New Orleans, USS Massachusetts, USS Hampton and USS Winslow. For his service in the American, Asiatic Pacific and European African Areas Bob received the following medals and honors: American Defense Medal and one star; nine stars for Asiatic Pacific service; one star for European African service; World War II Victory and Good Conduct Medals. Bob was discharged on December 16, 1946 as a Gunner’s Mate First Class. On January 27, 1948, Bob married Darlene Conrad at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Harper, bought a farm and spent the rest of his life farming, which he loved. Bob enjoyed running around the house with his grandkids and driving his old blue pickup around the country 15 miles an hour to check the crops. He loved the farm life, working with the land, tiling, bulldozing, playing cards, reading and visiting with people of all ages.
Survivors include his wife: Darlene of Keota; seven children: Daniel Flynn of Keota, Linda Greiner of Chariton, Jim Flynn of Harper, Nancy Tutor of Le Claire, Cindy Lebsack of Washington, Janie Odegard of Le Claire and Doug Flynn of Keota; 20 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter: Patricia; granddaughter: Hannah Lebsack; sister: Violet Putman and three brothers: Taylor, John and Richard Flynn.
A memorial mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 25, 2011, at Holy Trinity Parish – St. Mary Catholic Church in Keota, with Rev. Charles Fladung officiating. Burial will be at Holy Trinity Cemeteries – St. Mary Cemetery in Keota. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 24, 2011, at the church, where there will be a wake service at 7:00 p.m.
Memorials may be made to the Robert M. Flynn memorial fund. Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Keota is caring for Bob and his family. Condolences may be e-mailed at www.powellfuneralhomes.com under obituaries.
