Lt. Col. Franklin A. Flesher, U.S. Army, 80, St. Joseph, MO
By: Gregory Hurt
Updated: January 16, 2013
Lt. Col. Franklin A. Flesher, U.S. Army, 80, St. Joseph, Missouri died Sunday, January 13, 2013 at Heartland Regional Medical Center after suffering from a stroke. Flesher dedicated his life to serving his country, community and family. He was the founder and Executive Director of the National Military Heritage Museum, St. Joseph.
Flesher was born January 11, 1933 in Barberton, Ohio, graduated from Copley High School and enlisted in the United States Army in 1952 at the age of 19. He graduated from the University of Akron, was commissioned in 1958 and retired with the rank of Lt. Colonel.
During his 28-year military career, he was an Airborne Infantry Ranger and served two tours in both Korea and Vietnam. His service in Vietnam earned him the Bronze Star for service, Air Medal for valor and the Army Commendation Medal for achievement.
He is survived by his wife, Judi and his four daughters, Patricia of Nashville, Susan of Kansas City, Peggy of St. Joseph, and Janet of Seattle; his sisters, Dolly in Florida, and June and Cass in Ohio; his brothers, Dale in Georgia and Okie and George in Ohio; nine grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents Carl and Iona Flesher, Ohio.
Memorial Services: 10:00 A.M. Friday, Ashland United Methodist Church. Inurnment Leavenworth National Cemetery, Leavenworth, Kansas, Monday, January 21, 2013 at 10:00 A.M. The family will receive friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M., Thursday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donation made to the National Military Heritage Museum, 701 Messanie St, St. Joseph, Missouri 64501.
Flesher was born January 11, 1933 in Barberton, Ohio, graduated from Copley High School and enlisted in the United States Army in 1952 at the age of 19. He graduated from the University of Akron, was commissioned in 1958 and retired with the rank of Lt. Colonel.
During his 28-year military career, he was an Airborne Infantry Ranger and served two tours in both Korea and Vietnam. His service in Vietnam earned him the Bronze Star for service, Air Medal for valor and the Army Commendation Medal for achievement.
He is survived by his wife, Judi and his four daughters, Patricia of Nashville, Susan of Kansas City, Peggy of St. Joseph, and Janet of Seattle; his sisters, Dolly in Florida, and June and Cass in Ohio; his brothers, Dale in Georgia and Okie and George in Ohio; nine grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents Carl and Iona Flesher, Ohio.
Memorial Services: 10:00 A.M. Friday, Ashland United Methodist Church. Inurnment Leavenworth National Cemetery, Leavenworth, Kansas, Monday, January 21, 2013 at 10:00 A.M. The family will receive friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M., Thursday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donation made to the National Military Heritage Museum, 701 Messanie St, St. Joseph, Missouri 64501.
