Marlen L. FLOWER

FLOWER, LONG, WEST, SMITH, HALL, LAWRENCE, GOODELL, DAWLEY, HOTCHKISS, PROBUS, DECAMP, PARDUN

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 12/29/2007 at 10:31:23

Marlen L. Flower died December 19, 2007, with full confidence that "to be absent from the body, is to be present with the Lord." He was a man characterized by strong Christian principles, a loving and generous heart, and a quick wit.

He grew up in Eagle Grove, Iowa, attended Open Bible Institute in Des Moines, and served in the Army during World War II, mainly in China. The family moved to Seymour, Iowa, in 1946 and farmed until his retirement. He was active in First Baptist Church of Seymour as organist, treasurer, beloved Sunday School teacher, deacon, and trustee. He and Helen moved to Greenville in 1997 to be with their family. He was a member of Heritage Bible Church and active with the Senior Servants as long as health permitted. The family gives special thanks to Lorena and Ken, who have given Dad selfless and loving care in their home.

His family include his wife of 68 years, Helen Long Flower; sons, Dennis Flower (Ruth Ann) of Elche, Spain, and Lance Flower (Janet) of Greenville; daughters, Lorena West (Ken) of Simpsonville and Nancy Smith of Taylors. Local grandchildren include, Randy Flower (Karen), Donna Lawrence (Rick), Karen Hall (Steve), Kathy Goodell (Greg), and Nathan Smith (Diana). Also Ed Flower (Anisha) of Mich., Dennis Flower (Vivian) of Puerto Rico, Lisa Flower of Guam, Laura Hotchkiss (Herb) of N.Y., Andrea Probus (Allen) of Mo., and Kari Dawley (Stephen) of Mich.; and 22 great-grandchildren. Also surviving is a sister, Avenell DeCamp of Iowa. Awaiting him in heaven at his home going were his parents, brother Paul, sister Evilo Pardun, and son-in-law, John L. Smith.

The family will welcome friends at Mackey Mortuary Friday from 6:30 to 8 p.m, December 21, 2007. Memorial service at Heritage Bible Church, Saturday at 11 a.m., December 22, 2007. Burial will be in Seymour, Iowa. Memorials may be made to McCall Hospice House, 1836 W. Georgia Rd., Simpsonville, SC, 29680. The Mackey Mortuary, Century Drive

Greenville News, The (SC)
December 21, 2007