Born May 11, 1936 in Harrisburg, he was the son of Ralph and Rita (Lands) Flanders.

A U.S. Marine Corps veteran of the Korean War, he worked in the maintenance department for General Electric for 39 years before retiring.

He was a big fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, Rams, Blues, university of Illinois Sports and NASCAR.

On November 29, 1958 in East Alton, he married Mary Borders.  She survives.

Surviving also are a son, Christopher (Trisha) Flanders of Wood River; daughters, Kimberly Flanders of Bethalto, Lennie (James) Goeken, seven grandchildren, Tara (Nick) Kokorudz, Tyler Flanders, Lauren Flanders, Andrew Goeken, Caroline Goeken, Conner Humbert, Morgan Eberlin; great grandson, Evan Kokorudz; a brother, Wendell Flanders of Olney, TX; and sister, Maudine Fornes of Harrisburg.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Bruce Flanders; and sister, Mildred Young.

Private services were held at Marks Mortuary in Wood River. Rev. George Humbert officiated.

Private burial will be in Valhalla Memorial Park in Godfrey with a Celebration of Life Service to be held at a later date. 

Memorials may be made to American Heart Association.