Johnnie Flanders

CMSgt (Ret.) Johnnie Paul Flanders

September 20, 1926 ~ March 19, 2016

Our family has lost its hero.

Johnnie Paul Flanders, 89, of Layton, UT passed away March 19, 2016 of causes incident to age. Johnnie was born September 20, 1926 in Adrian, Georgia to John R. Flanders and Annie Lou Sumner. In 1958, Johnnie married the love of his life, Margot Sauerbrey of Ilmenau, Germany.  Their 58-year marriage produced a beloved daughter, Patricia (Mitch) Lambdin, West Jordan, UT; two beautiful granddaughters, Jennifer (Eric) Simpson, Taylorsville, UT, and Melissa (Steve) Boynton, West Jordan, UT; and two darling great-granddaughters.

In 1945, Johnnie enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard as a Merchant Marine and for two years sailed the world, often through hostile waters. After that, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, rising over a 28-year career to the rank of E-9/Chief Master Sergeant.  He served with several Civil Engineering/Red Horse units throughout his career and was a Master Carpenter.  Johnnie served during WWII, and the wars in both Korea and Vietnam; he was awarded the U.S. Air Force Bronze Star Medal for his service in Vietnam.  After retiring from the military, Johnnie began a second lifetime of service, working for the U.S. Veteran’s Administration Hospital Civil Engineering department in Salt Lake City, UT.  In 1997, at the age of 70 ½, he retired from the Veteran’s Administration. Johnnie served his country for over 51 years.

Above all, Johnnie’s most valuable treasure was his family.  He loved spending time with his wife, daughter, and family, and teaching his grandchildren how to fish, bowl, and just generally have fun.  A true Southern Gentleman, every guest to his home was greeted with a smile and a cold drink, all women were treated with the utmost respect, and his wit was as sharp as his chisels. Johnnie loved to build furniture and maintain his home to the highest standards.  His beautiful lawn had no equal. Every project, regardless of scope, was completed with equal degrees of perfection and expertise.

The family would like to extend their thanks and deepest appreciation to the staff at the George E. Whalen Ogden Veteran’s Home, who lovingly cared for Johnnie in the final years of his life, especially Dr. Nadya Wayment.  Bristol Hospice administered Hospice Care to Johnnie in his final days with incredible professionalism and compassion.

A celebration of Johnnie’s life will be held Saturday, April 2, 2016 at 2 p.m. at Lindquist’s Layton  Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Road, Layton, Utah where military honors will be accorded.  Friends may visit family one hour prior to services at the mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to make donations in Johnnie’s name to the Utah Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association or the George E. Wahlen Ogden Veteran’s Home.