Luther Don Flanagan

Luther Flanagan, born 1953 in Broken Arrow, was surrounded by loving family and friends on Sunday August 14th when he slid into his final home plate. As far as life goes, he hit it out of the park even though he humbly said he wanted to be remembered as "just a guy who tried". By the way, the home plate was covered with gravy, which Luther teased should actually be the state beverage.

Luther Don, affectionately remembered by many as Broken Arrow's first hippie, graduated class of 1971 as a member of the Broken Arrow Pride marching band able to play just about any instrument that he touched.

Luther married native Oklahoman Margaret (Brixey), a Decca recording artist, on his birthday in 1976. Together they raised six children in a local small church. Luther was often asked to read the message in church services due to his exceptional voice. He also assisted with Children's church services, wrote gospel music, and led the church's band practice for many years. He played the bugle flawlessly and also gave many youngsters in the church their first music lessons.

Luther retired from Braden Winch after more than 30 years as an IAM union machinist. He kept in touch with many of his coworkers who describe him as honest, fair, and great at whatever he needed to do in his work role. He was also known to be a great practical joker and was quick with puns and pranks. In his retirement years, Luther also drove the Broken Arrow bus, worked with the developmentally disabled, and loved playing guitar at many places around the greater Tulsa area. Luther is also immortalized as the best real-bearded Santa Claus in the hearts of thousands; Tulsa, Ok UHaul trucks across the nation bear photos of him in his magical red suit. He was accompanied on many of these ventures by Pat Flanagan, his friend of many years.

During his battle with bladder cancer, Luther met many nurses and doctors whose names he purposefully remembered. He made conversation with his care staff until he found a connection to someone or something he knew.

Luther now joins his parents Albert Luther "Big Luke" and Jo Anne (Hamilton) Flanagan and his brothers Tony and Carl. Luther Don is survived by his brothers John, Alan, and Tommy Flanagan, and his sisters Marie Graham, Annie Norton, and Tina Walker. He is remembered as an exceptional father by all six of his children and their partners- Justin and Shelia Flanagan of Arkansas, Hannah Flanagan and Shannon Short of California, Micah Flanagan of Broken Arrow, Jessica Flanagan-Martin and Herman Martin of Tulsa, Rachel and John Buchanan of Broken Arrow, and Daniel Flanagan of Broken Arrow. Luther is fondly remembered as an incredible uncle and also PawPaw by all 16 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life for family and friends will be held on September 4 from 1-6pm; tie dyed attire is encouraged. Per his request it will be a potluck with lots of music, dancing, laughing, and joy.