Harold walked into the arms of Jesus on Wednesday, September 15, 2021 at7:53pm at age 96 in the home of his granddaughter Jamilyn and Daren Sundstrom, in Gilbert, Arizona. He passed holding hands with a great grandson and a granddaughter. He was surrounded by his children, several grandchildren and great grandchildren and their families. The gospel music he loved was playing. We believe he was greeted by his beloved wife Dixie, daughter Cheri, his mom, dad, many brothers and sisters, a baby they lost and many loved ones and friends who went before.
Harold Kenneth Flynn was born at home in Queen City, Missouri on April 19, 1925 to Grace Helen Flynn and Herschel Dillon Flynn.
On May 11, 1938 during the Great Depression, his dad packed the family of 17 into a 1935 Chevrolet truck and a house built on the bed of the truck for a move to Moxee, Washington. Working their way across the country, they arrived in September 1938.
In late 1944 he met and fell in love with Dixie Lee Zike. They married on January 20, 1945. She was truly the love of his life for the almost 75 years. She walked into the arms of her Lord Jesus in 2019.
Harold has been the family patriarch for more than 76 years. The impact of his passing is great. We can’t imagine life without him. He has loved and cherished his family passionately.
He was a great provider from the very young age of becoming a husband and father at age 20. His work ethic was second to none. He did whatever it took to provide for his family. As a young boy he began working on farms in Missouri and in the hop fields and orchards of the Yakima Valley, As the years passed, he became a very successful sales man with Sears, General Electric and eventually his own appliance business. He was always working at something. When Covid began, he made over 300 masks on his sewing machine. He retired multiple times in his life only to seek something new to do. His last official retirement was at the age of 90. His body finally began giving out in May 2021.
He was generous in every way; with his time, talents and finances. And not only with his family, but with extended family, loved ones and friends. He loved playing golf until he was 94 and bowled until he was 90. He loved his dog Buddy which he had since 2015.
He would be described by all who knew him as a truly amazing man. A man who loved to teach others everything he knew; from sales and work ethic to golf and bowling.
He and Dixie enjoyed travel. He won many worldwide trips and took Dixie to many places in the world. They loved to share the joy of travel and learning and treated their family to a very special trip through Europe.
During their many years of marriage, Harold and Dixie lived in Yakima, Pasco, Seattle, Federal Way, Renton and Maple Valley Washington, Twin Falls and Boise, Idaho. They moved to Chandler, Arizona in 1998.
He is survived by daughters Vicki and Pamela; sons Timothy and Patrick, 12 granddaughters, 22 great-grandchildren, 15 great-great grandchildren, 2 sisters Sally and Verniece, many grandson in-laws, great grandson in-laws; several generations of nieces and nephews, and adopted and extended family. He was preceded in death by his mother, father, daughter Cheri, an infant child, 5 brothers and 5 sisters.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Samaritan‘s Purse, Hospice of the Valley or the charity of your choice.
Service Information:
Harold will be laid to rest at Valley of the Sun in Chandler, Arizona
Saturday, November 6, 2021 (private)
Celebration of Life – All are welcome and invited to attend
Saturday, November 6, 2021 – 11:30 am
At the home of Vicki and Gaylon in Gilbert, Arizona – contact privately for address
Lunch will be served following the service
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