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Robert David Flannigan Sr.
Monette -- Robert David Flannigan Sr., 91, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2015. He was born Dec. 25, 1923 in Monette to the late Wilford and Rose Varner Flannigan. Robert was married for 59 years to the late Jessie Lee Winstead Flannigan. He graduated from Monette High School and attended Arkansas State College until being activated while in the Army Reserves. Robert attended Texas A & M University studying civil engineering thought the Army Specialized Training Corp. He did such until his class was terminated and Robert and his classmates were placed in the regular Army.
Robert entered the European Theater of Operation as a combat medic with the 103rd Infantry Division of the Seventh Army. He was in combat in France, Germany, Austria and Italy (Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, and Central Europe). Robert received three Bronze Service Stars and a Bronze Star Medal for heroism. Following the war, Robert returned to his family in Monette and entered retail business with his father. They operated Flannigan's Mercantile in Monette for 38 years.
Robert was the mayor of Monette for several years followed by serving on the Craighead County Quorum Court. He served on the Monette School Board, County School Board and the Selective Service Board. Robert was a member of the Monette American Legion and he was a disabled veteran.
He was a pioneer member of the Craighead County Solid Waste Authority. He was a member of the Monette First Baptist Church and served as a deacon, trustee and Sunday school teacher. He and his wife raised their three children in a Christian home.
Robert was very active in service to others. He was on the Board of Directors of the Crowley Ridge Development Council and 20 years of service on the Advisory Council of the Area Agency on Aging. He did two years of volunteer service delivery of home meals to the needy, and was recognized as NE Arkansas Volunteer of the Year by the Division on Aging. Robert served five terms as a silver Hair Legislator and AARP Advocate Volunteer.
Robert believed in leaving mankind in better shape than when we entered this world. He often said if politicians fought the wars they made, rather than our boys, then we would have fewer wars. He strongly felt we should support our troops.
He is survived by his son, Dr. Robert David Flannigan Jr. and wife Cindy; five grandchildren, Sarah Thelen (Pat), Amy Schlichting, Dr. David Flannigan (Kathryn), Rebekah Flannigan and Cassie Lawrence (Jim); and eight great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Jesse Lee Winstead Flannigan; his two daughters, Rebekah Ruth Flannigan Schlichting and Elizabeth Ann Flannigan Eckman; sister, Eve Mae Kellett; brother, Russell V. Flannigan.
A celebration of his life was 11:30 Saturday, Dec. 5, at Monette First Baptist Church with Revs. Winfred Bridges and Rusty Bird officiating. Burial followed at Monette Memorial Cemetery with military honors.
The family received friends from 9:30 a.m. until time of service Saturday at the church.
Honored to serve as pallbearers were Harry Adams, Judge David Goodson, Jim Fraser, Alan Gathright, Robert Chambers and Dr. David Flannigan with John Paul Masner as honorary pallbearer.
Arrangements were entrusted to Gregg Funeral Home of Monette.