Larry R. Flanders

Larry R. Flanders, 80 of Dowagiac died Tuesday, August 18, 2015 at The University of Chicago Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 12:00 PM on Saturday, August 22, 2015 at the First United Methodist Church, 326 N. Lowe Street, Dowagiac, MI, with Pastor Kel Penny officiating.  Friends may visit with the family before the service from 11:00 AM until 12:00 PM at the church.  Memorial donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Dowagiac or the Cass County Cancer Society.  Those wishing to leave a memory or condolence of Larry online may do so at www.clarkch.com. Larry was born July 8, 1935 in Dowagiac, MI to Claire and Naomi (Ferris) Flanders.  He graduated from Dowagiac Union High School.  He served his country in the United States Army. He married Diana (Myers) on September 5th, 1964 in Dowagiac. Larry and his father Claire owned and operated Flanders’ Plumbing Service in Dowagiac for over 55 years. He not only was a highly skilled plumber but a carpenter as well. He could fix about anything and often would help family and friends with projects around the home. If you didn’t have the tool for the job, Larry would loan you what you needed. He was always there to help people. Spending time with his family was the most important thing to Larry. He made numerous keepsake items for his entire family and friends. Larry enjoyed the World Series and Super Bowl but was an avid Notre Dame and Michigan football fan.  Most importantly, he enjoyed helping people. Larry is survived by his loving wife Diana, two children; Scott (Shannon) Flanders of Dowagiac and Sandra Hutchings of Battle Creek, five grandchildren; Chris Flanders of Edwardsburg, Kaci (Matt) Jones of Bridgman, Landon & Taylor Hutchings and Tegan Weaver of Battle Creek and two great grandchildren, Kodi Jones and Chase Hankins.  He also leaves behind two sisters; Judy (Bob) Carlisle of Dowagiac and Susan (Dave) McIntyre of Plainfield, IL and by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He also leaves behind his beloved little rat terrier dog, Zoey.  Larry was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Jack Flanders.