Obituary of William Robert Flanagan

Flanagan, William R. (Bill) 1923-2011 Bill passed away on December 10, 2011. He is now reunited with his eternal family in the Lord's kingdom. He was 88. Barely 18 and with a strong desire for adventure, he enlisted in the U.S Army and went off to war. He served as a combat medic in the New Guinea campaign in WW II where he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service on the field of battle while with the Red Arrow Division. He also received the Combat Medical Badge during the campaign. He again distinguished himself while assigned to the Big Red One and was awarded a second Bronze Star (Oak Leaf Cluster) for meritorious service. As a young soldier he enjoyed boxing and was known as "Flash" for his speed and agility when competing in the Golden Gloves tournaments. In later years he enjoyed weightlifting and body building and especially enjoyed teaching the younger novices. His military career spanned 23 years with many years of service in Germany. He retired in 1967 as the ISG assigned to the 561 st MP Co., Ft. Myer, VA. He immedietly started a second career with the U.S. Capitol Police, Washington D.C., where he enjoyed associations with political leaders, peers, and a constant stream of visitors. He retired a second time as a SGT after 16 years of service. Above all, Bill loved his family. His kindness and gentle demeanor made him the stabilizing force in the family. His family loved and adored their dad and opa. He was preceded in death by his mother, Agnes; father, Gilbert ; sister , Juanita; and twin sister, Roberta. He is survived by his beloved wife, Franziska, Sterling, VA; son, H. Paul (Diane) Flanagan, Layton, UT; daughter, Inge (Terry) Mowery, Winchester, VA; daughter, Doris (Victor) Knott, Jacksonville, FL; and grandchildren : Katie (Bart) Anderson, Stanley Parsell, Mindy Wright, Victor (Brent) Knott , Nicole Knott; and eleven great grandchildren. Interment with military honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery on Friday, April 20, 2012 at 2:00 PM. Friends are asked to meet at the Administration Building at 1:45 PM . In lieu of flowers, donations, can be made to the Sterling Park Volunteer Rescue Squad.