Ernest A. Flangas

his Family. Ernie was born in Ely, Nevada on March 12, 1934 to Alexander John (AJ) and

Fotene (Faye) Flangas, both of whom were immigrants from the area of Lamia and Gardiki in

Greece. Ernie was a life time resident of Ely, the youngest of four brothers, Bill Flangas, John

Flangas, and Gus Flangas. Growing up in Ely, Ernie along with his brothers, helped their parents

build a life in the United States, and several businesses, including motels. Over the years, the

Flangas Family’s kitchen table hosted a myriad of friends, relatives and many prominent

Nevadans. It was a must stop for many of the State’s political leaders as they traveled through

Nevada. Ernie truly loved Ely, and was a walking encyclopedia about the history of White Pine

County and the surrounding areas. He was known nationally in Jaycees circles as the man from

Nevada who wore a “Levi” Blue Denim tuxedo. The tuxedo which was made especially for Bing

Crosby, was given to him by Mr. Crosby. Although he never married, Ernie was “Uncle Babe”

to two generations of nieces and nephews in a large extended family, who all adored him. He

was always there in Ely to welcome and regale them with stories about the family and the early

days of Ely. Ernie had an easy going way about him and had an infectious laugh that filled the

room especially while everyone was gathered around the table telling stories. He was an avid

animal lover and always had dogs that he loved and cared for greatly. In his last years, he was

feeding and taking care of a hodgepodge of feral cats. Ernie was extremely proud of his Greek

Orthodox Faith and his Greek Heritage. He enjoyed traveling to other places around the world,

especially to Greece. Ernie graduated from White Pine High School, and attended college at the

University of Utah, where he studied Architectural Design, Economics and Accounting. He

served in the United States Army in the Air Defense Artillery at Fort Bliss, Texas. He also

served as a Legislative Aid in Washington, DC. He was employed with the Kennecott Copper

Corporation as a payroll and voucher accountant, the Mt. Wheeler Power Company, and several

other businesses in Ely. Ernie was also a self employed businessman. Ernie was very well

known in Ely and was highly involved and active in virtually every facet of the Community. He

served several terms as a Member of the Ely City Council, a Member of the City of Ely Planning

Commission, President of the White Pine Jaycees, President of the State of Nevada Jaycees, a

Member of the National Board of Directors for the United State Jaycees, President of the White

Pine Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the White Pine County Fair and Recreation Board, a

Member of the White Pine Economic Diversification Board Council, a Member of the Northern

Nevada Railroad Board, a Member of the White Pine Industrial Park Board, a Member of the

Downtown Business Association, a Member of the Downtown Beautification Committee, and

Chairman of the White Pine County Democratic Central Committee. He was also involved in the

Development of the Bristlecone Convention Center and the Renaissance Village. Ernie leaves

behind a large group of nieces and nephews, who will miss him tremendously. Ernie was

preceded in death by his Parents, his brothers, and his nephews Albert Flangas (Trudi),

Alexander Flangas, and Ted Flangas. Ernie is survived by his Sister-in-law, Marilyn Flangas

(Bill), his Nephews, Gus Flangas (Tammy), Alex Flangas, and Gary Flangas (Amanda), his

Niece Camille Flangas, numerous cousins and grand Nieces and Nephews, many Godchildren,

and a host of others to whom he was “Uncle Babe.” There will be a Viewing at 10:00 a.m.

Friday, October 3, 2025, at the Mountain Vista Chapel, 450 Mill Street, Ely, Nevada. Funeral

Services will follow at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to the

Nevada Northern Railway Foundation. May his Memory be Eternal.