Aaron Clifford Flannery, 44, died of cancer early Sunday morning, Oct 15, 2006 at his home in Williamsbugr, MI, where he resided with his wife and soulmate, Robin ZuHone Flannery, and their three children, who were the light of his life; Jeremy Hans, 10; Shea Nicole, 7; and Marisa Noel, 5.
Mr. Flannery grew up in Flushing, MI and graduated from Montrose High School. He attended Michigan State University where he obtained an engineering degree in 1985. He then entered the military where he served in the US Navy for 15 years resigning his commission in 2000 to raise his children in rural America and to work with his brother, Kenneth Wade Flannery, in Ken's business, Flannery Machine and Tool in Mancelona, MI.
On Aug 20, 1994, he married Robin ZuHone in the Brunswick Naval Air Station chapel in Brunswick, ME.
While in the US Navy he served as a helicopter pilot and antisubmarine warfare specialist, search and rescue officer, and flight instructor last based at Naval Air Station Coronado in Coronado, CA, where he was attached to the USS Ranger and USS Carl Vinson aircraft carriers. His work with helicopters has increased the strength and might of the United States helicopter community.
In addition to his wife, children, and brother, Mr. Flannery is survived by his mother, Suzanne Lee Flannery of CA, his father, Gerald D Flannery, and his step mother, Joyce Flannery of Mancelona, MI, his sister in law, Julia Flannery of Williamsburg, MI, his grandmother, Ruth Bitting of Grand Rapids, MI, and 12 nieces and 3 nephews.
His sphere of influence, compassion, and understanding extended far beyond his family and will continue to be felt for many future years among his friends and professional associates. Aaron was truly good. The world needs more good men.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 pm Fri, Oct 21 at 10 am at the Mancelona Baptist Church, Mancelona, MI. Interment with military honors will take place following the funeral at Circle Hill Cemetery, Williamsburg, in Whitewater Township.
