Raymond Lacy Flynn

Raymond Lacy Flynn, born 88 years ago in Sioux City, died unexpectedly on December 12, 2013. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, December 19, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Rev. Merlin Schrad will officiate. Burial with military graveside services will be in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be 5:00 - 8:00 P.M. Wednesday, December 18, at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel, 3220 Stone Park Blvd., The family will be present from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. with a vigil service at 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Online condolences may be sent to www.meyerbroschapels.com. Ray was born on November 3, 1925, to William and Ella Flynn of Sioux City. He was a veteran who served during World War II in the Pacific theatre including duty on Iwo Jima. Back in the States, in 1950 he asked for the hand of Kathleen Ann Malloy (Kitty) in marriage. They were partners for 63 years. Professionally, Ray was a man with great entrepreneurial spirit. The primary focus of his career was involved with buying, selling and financing all types of construction equipment. For a time he also ran his own company, REMCO Sand and Gravel. In 1985, Ray and Kitty moved from Sioux City to Pleasanton, California, just east of San Francisco. He worked in the finance industry for Orix Credit Alliance primarily involved with construction contractors. By virtue of his service to that industry, he was awarded the inaugural "Associate Member Distinguished Service Award" from the Engineering and Utility Contractors Association, which since then has been awarded annually. In Pleasanton they made many new friends playing bridge and traveling. After 15 years in California they returned to Sioux City in May, 2000. Those close to Ray will remember him as a man dedicated to his family. By far, his number one enjoyment in life was time spent with his family - remarkable, considering the frequent shenanigans of his four boys over the years. Ray's personal talents were many. Not only could he build or fix just about anything, he also had a distinct, debonair quality to his personality. He was a terrific ballroom dancer, a singer to remind you of Dean Martin, and he delivered enough original one-liners over the years that he could undoubtedly have been a stand-up comic. Ray's family believes his greatest quality was his kindness. He was always there to lend a helping hand not only to his family but to anyone in his life who was in need. Ray also enjoyed the outdoors especially boating and spending time on the Missouri River. He was an avid football fan and loved good western movies, especially those with John Wayne. He is survived by his wife Kathleen of Sioux City, four sons: Mark & Judie (Tampa), Tim & Ralene (Jacksonville), Brian & Rebecca (San Diego) and Scott & Krista (Sioux City). He was also blessed with his grandchildren Melissa, Nicole, Sean, Brianna, Jake, Olivia, and Mackenzie. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, a sister: Deloras Crakes, and two brothers: Don and Franklin Flynn. Memorials in remembrance of Ray can be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Big Sioux Chapter, PO Box 3716, Sioux City, IA 51102-3716.