Russell Steven Flanagan

Russell Steven Flanagan, known lovingly as Russ, passed away on August 18, 2026, in Loveland, Colorado, at the age of 90. He was born on December 20, 1935, in Hamilton, Ohio, to Charles Wesley Flanagan and Wallie Virginia Meador.

Russ was raised by his grandparents, John and Lucy Flanagan, in Ohio, where his early years helped shape the strong and steady man he would become. He went on to serve his country in the United States Air Force, attaining the rank of Airman First Class.

On October 12, 1956, Russ married the love of his life, Shirley Sitzman Flanagan. Their marriage began a lifetime of adventure and shared memories. The Air Force soon took Russ and Shirley across the ocean to Germany, where they spent two and a half years experiencing life together in a new country and began their family.

After returning to the United States, Russ worked for a telephone company before beginning another chapter of his career with the Air Force as a civilian employee in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Working in communications, Russ dedicated many years to his work and eventually retired from civil service in 1994.

Throughout their life together, Russ and Shirley made homes and built friendships in many communities. Over the years, they lived in Palisade, Littleton, Aurora, and Whitewater, Colorado, as well as St. George, Utah; Yuma, Arizona; and Olympia, Washington.

Russ was a devoted husband and father and leaves behind his beloved wife, Shirley, with whom he shared nearly 70 years of marriage. He is also survived by his two sons, Steven and his wife, Bonny, of Northglenn, Colorado, and David and his wife, Laura, of Parker, Colorado. He is lovingly remembered by his three granddaughters, all of whom reside in Colorado, and by his four great-grandchildren. Russ was preceded in death by a beloved grandson.

Russ had many interests and passions that brought joy and meaning to his life. He loved boating and waterskiing, and among all the places he enjoyed being on the water, Lake Powell held a special place in his heart. Many happy memories were made enjoying the lake and sharing time with family and friends.

He also enjoyed the quiet challenges of working on puzzles and reading, as well as the satisfaction that came from woodworking. Russ enjoyed golfing and was a devoted fan of the Denver Broncos. He appreciated staying active, learning, and spending his time doing the things that brought him happiness.

Later in life, Russ joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he found another meaningful interest in family history. His interest in learning about his ancestors and preserving the stories of those who came before him became an important part of his life.

Russ's life was marked by service—to his country through his years in the Air Force and civil service, to his family through his love and devotion, and to the people and interests that brought purpose and joy to his life. His journey carried him from Ohio to Germany and to communities throughout the western United States, but at the heart of that journey was always his family and the life he built alongside Shirley.

Russ will be remembered with love by all who were fortunate enough to know him. He will be remembered for his years of service, his love of adventure and the outdoors, his enjoyment of Lake Powell, and the many simple pleasures that filled his days. Most of all, he will be remembered for the life and love he shared with his family.

Though he will be deeply missed, the memories of the life he lived, the places he traveled, the adventures he enjoyed, and the love he shared will remain forever in the hearts of those who loved him.