Vernon Franklin Flanagan

Mar 22, 1950 -

Dec 24, 2020

Vernon Franklin "Frank" Flanagan Jr. passed away at his home in Estero, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020, at the age of 70. Frank was born in Tampa, Fla., on March 22, 1950. He graduated high school in spring 1968 from Robinson High in Tampa. In the fall, he enrolled in St. Peter Junior College but in December, he was drafted by the United States Air Force to be stationed in Anchorage, Alaska, at Elmendorf Air Force Base. Through the Air Force, his love of aviation grew and his trade as a jet engine mechanic flourished. Frank completed a four-year tour and was honorably discharged in February 1973. In fall 1973, he began his career with Northwest Orient Airlines in Anchorage. He would leave Alaska for Minnesota, where his 43-year career with NWA would end and an additional five years continued with Delta Airlines. Never a man to sit still, he quickly discovered a love of driving — both motorcoach and after-school activity buses around the metro area of Minnesota and beyond, all the way up to Alaska and Canada. His passengers and student-athletes became fast friends and relationships he would cherish until his very end. Frank was hard-working, hard-loving with an admirable zest for life. He never met a stranger, never knew an enemy and has been a best friend to all. We have never known a man with a bigger heart, forever willing to lend a hand. If you had a question, he had the answer. If it was broke, he could fix it and make it even better. He was fun and funny, gave the best hugs, the firmest handshakes, had a booming laugh and an enviable mustache. A simple man. A man's man. Husband, father, brother, uncle, friend. If you knew him, you loved him. He will be so deeply missed. Frank is survived by his loving wife of 19 years, Susie Flanagan; sister, Shirley McGuire; brother, Robert Flanagan; son, Mathew (Renee) Flanagan; daughter, Annie (Ben) Miebs; stepdaughter, Shawn (Jason) Nelson; and seven adorable grandchildren, Tavian, Tayana, Averee, Jack, Dylan, Ellie and Tess; nieces, Lynne Waddell and Callie Bray; and great-niece, Macy Lancaster. Frank is preceded in death by his mother, Maude Flanagan; and stepmother and father, Helen and Vernon Franklin Flanagan Sr. As a Senior Airman, Frank will have full military honors at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, and his life will be celebrated in summer 2021. Service and celebration dates will be publicly announced when they are made available by Fort Snelling and family.