Martin D. Flanagan

Martin Duane Flanagan passed away April 20, 2023 peacefully at home at the age of 87 with his loving family by his side. He was born Sept. 9, 1935 in Ypsilanti,  MI to Martin Rudolf and Grace (nee` Smith) Flanagan.

All of his early years were spent in Ypsilanti, graduating in 1953.  He began his lifelong career with Trans World Airlines working nights loading cargo while in high school. He enlisted in the US Army April 1954 as a motor mechanic in Alaska. After receiving an honorable discharge April 1956 he returned to TWA in Detroit. He enrolled in Ann Arbor flight school obtaining his commercial pilot rating. He retired from TWA after 49 years in 2001, 10 years in Detroit, 39 years in Cleveland.

Duane enjoyed softball and played into his 40’s on a slow pitch league. He also enjoyed fishing, golf and did extensive traveling with his wife and best friend, Judi.

Duane is survived by his wife of 33 years Judi (nee` Schmoker) Flanagan, daughters from a previous marriage Jill Irene Franz, Karen (Kirk Kennedy) Reichle and step daughter Dianne (Dennis) Panozzo.  Grandchildren Jessica, Melissa, William, Khristy, Michael, Kelly, Bryan and Meredith. Great grandchildren Halley, Robert, Jay, Alex, Brendan, Liam, Sadie, Martin and Sophia. Sister Carole Jackson, sister-in-law Jill Buchfinck, special cousins Julian and Carol Eldridge of England, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son Martin Robert (Michelle) Flanagan, brothers-in-law Jack Buchfinck and James Jackson.

There will be a celebration of life at the Flanagan home at a later date.