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Raymond Joseph Flanigan, 88 of Murphysboro
died Friday, September 30, 2011 in Murphysboro. Ray was born to Blanche
and Raymond (Dutch) Flanigan May 25, 1923 in Murphysboro, IL. A child
of the Depression he excelled academically at St. Andrew Grade School
and Murphysboro High School along with his sister Mary Ruth. After
graduation in 1941 he attracted some attention of the St. Louis
Cardinals and Browns. However, he found the demands of the U.S. Army
undeniable. In 1942 Ray began the great adventure of his life, crossing
Western Europe with Patton’s Third Army from Normandy to Champagne, then
Bastogne and finally Germany. A member of the ‘Greatest Generation’ Ray
began, after the War, his professional career as an electrician and a
member of I.B.E.W. Local 702 – a membership that endured over 50 years.
On July 2, 1949 Ray and Doris Alley of rural Ava were married and began
a family. During the 1950’s Ray was an avid hunter with his prized
beagles and a competent horseman. The 1960’s and 70’s were devoted to
the maturation of Ray and Doris’ three children and to his career.
Known as an electrical engineer without a degree, he oversaw major
projects such as the U.S. Penitentiary at Marion, Phelps Dodge (Penn
Aluminum) at Murphysboro, and Carbondale Memorial Hospital for Brown &
Colombo Electric, Inc. He also found time to coach baseball and fish
extensively.
On December 24, 1982 Ray’s wife, Doris died after a long illness. He
thereafter thought more of travel and retirement and the happy prospects
of grandchildren. On July 11, 1987, Ray married JoAnn Lam of
Carbondale. During the late 1980’s and 90’s they travelled often
including a return trip to Europe to retrace his wartime path of 50
years previous. Much time and effort was devoted by Ray during the last
30 years as trustee to St Andrew Parrish, to the Knights of Columbus, as
trustee to Murphysboro Township and his family.
Ray was known in Murphysboro as “Dutch”. He was a lifelong Cardinal fan
and follower -from Harry Caray to present day cable. He befriended
along the way many, none better than Riggio, Striegel, or Sherbarth. He
will be missed by all.
A funeral mass will be at 10am Tuesday, October 4, 2011 at St. Andrew
Church in Murphysboro, Father Gary Gummersheimer will officiate, burial
will follow at St. Andrew Cemetery in Murphysboro, Military graveside
rites will be conducted by members of the American Legion Post 127 and
V.F.W. Post 7190 both of Murphysboro, V.F.W. Post 2605 of Carbondale and
the Jackson County Disabled American Veterans Chapter 69. Visitation
will be from 5 to 8pm on Monday, October 3, 2011 at Crawshaw Funeral
Home in Murphysboro. Memorials are encouraged and may be made to the St.
Andrews School or the Knights of Columbus.
Survivors include his wife; JoAnn (Lam) Flanigan of Murphysboro, one
sister and brother-in-law; Mary Ruth and Robert Clinton of Murphysboro,
one daughter and son-in-law; Patricia and Dan Parmley of Murphysboro,
two sons and daughters-in-law; Gregg and Terri Flanigan of Murphysboro,
and Tim and Nicole Flanigan of Phoenix AZ. He is also survived by
JoAnn’s children; Jon Eric and Lori Lam, and Bradley Lam, and
Grandchildren; Amy Parmley, Erin (John) Patterson, Katy Flanigan, Kerry
Flanigan, Eric (Heidi) Lam, Ryan (Susan) Lam, Courtney Lam, Christina
(Mickey) Ryan.
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