Howard "Gene" Eugene Flanagan

Howard Eugene “Gene” Flanagan, of Sulphur Springs, IN, went home to his Lord and Savior in the early morning hours on February 17, 2025. He passed peacefully at his home, in the bed he was born in, 95 years ago. 

Gene was born on July 16, 1929 to Jesse and Stella Flanagan, in Avon, Indiana. As a young Irish lad, he walked barefoot on his first day of school. He was often found in his favorite tree sitting upon a limb pretending it was his airplane, a P-51 Mustang. His childhood dream was to become a pilot. Gene continued with his schooling and became quite an athlete. He played baseball, ran track, and was a basketball star at Avon High School, finding himself in a mural on the wall. Catching his eye, was his high school sweetheart, Patricia (Patty) Ann Clark, who would later become his wife on October 20, 1947. They went on to have three children Pam, Jerry, and Edward to complete their family. Holding off on his pilot dreams he began his career as an electrician. He was proudly employed by Goldstein Bros., J & E Electric, Barth Electric, Sanborne Electric, and continued his career as a Union Electrician in California. When he wasn’t working hard for his family, he finally began learning to fly at the age of 47. From 1978 to 1988, Gene flew in the Civil Air Patrol -Search & Rescue, an auxiliary of the United States Airforce. His dream, sitting upon that tree branch to become a pilot, had come true. After returning to Indiana, Gene obtained a Real Estate License and worked with Lingle Real Estate for several years in New Castle, IN. One of Gene’s favorite hobbies was fishing. He spent many vacations in Wisconsin fishing with Patty and her siblings. Gene earned his famous nickname, Lightnin’, but it wasn’t for his speed as most would believe. Gene was a Free Mason at the Plainfield Masonic Lodge for well over 60 years and a proud member of the American Legion Middletown Lodge. Gene was a faithful church member all his life. He was well known for his time singing in the many church choirs, leading songs for his church families, and singing special songs to give praises to his Jesus. His last home church was, White Union Church. 

Of his many accomplishments, he was most proud of his family. He leaves to cherish his memory and carry on his legacy; his beautiful wife of 77 years, Patricia; his three adoring children, Pam (John) Surber of Forest Ranch, CA, Jerry (Marcia) Flanagan of Farmland, IN, and Edward Flanagan of Pompano Beach, FL; 5 grandchildren Craig Surber, Amanda (Steve) Martignoni, Jenny (Brandon) Wilson, Laura (Shannon) Vice, and Amy Flanagan; 10 great grandchildren and his faithful fur baby, Sophie; younger siblings, June Gerth, Larry Flanagan, and John Flanagan; and his many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and neighbors.

Preceded in death were his parents, Jesse and Stella Flanagan; mother & father in-law, Leland and Lola Clark; siblings Juanita Sommers, and Jane Sampley; and daughter-in-law, Connie Flanagan. 

Services will be held on Friday, February 21, 2025 at 2:00 pm at Ballard & Sons Funeral Home, in Middletown, IN. Pastor Gordon Barrett will be officiating. Friends and family may call beginning at 12:00 to time of service. Burial to follow at Miller Cemetery. Donations may be made to Plainfield Masonic Lodge, Middletown American Legion, or Shriners Hospital for Children. 

You may express condolences or share a memory of Gene at ballardandsons.com