Lawrence James Flanagan

Lt. Col. Lawrence James Flanagan (USMC RET), 83, husband of the late Jean Margaret Byrnes Flanagan and loving father, died Saturday, August 23, 2014 at CarolinaEast Medical Center in New Bern. Larry was born on October 15, 1930 in Nashua, New Hampshire. He was a devoted member of Annunciation Catholic Church in Havelock since 1970, and he founded Mr. Carpet in Havelock in 1972.

A distinguished veteran, he served his country in the U.S. Marine Corp. for 24 years. His decorations include, but are not limited to, Battle Stars in Vietnam, Distinguished Flying Cross, two Bronze Stars and a Silver Star. He was instrumental in the early space program, lifting of the Gemini Program.

Visitation and prayer will be held from 6:00-8:00 pm Thursday, August 28, 2014 at Annunciation Catholic Church, 246 E. Main St., Havelock, NC. The service will be a mass of Christian Resurrection on Friday, August 29, 2014 at 12:00 noon with Father Spencer officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, 3007 Country Club Rd., New Bern, NC.

He is survived by his eight children, James Flanagan of Havelock, NC, Lee Anne Flanagan of Newport, NC, Robert Flanagan of Bayboro, NC, Kathleen Hardin of Havelock, NC, Christopher Flanagan of Wilmington, NC, Jean Maire Barlow of New Bern, NC, Eileen Campbell of Huntersville, NC, George Flanagan of New Bern, his siblings which he and his late wife helped raise, Joseph Flanagan of Anchorage, AK, Anne Murray of Ronkonkoma, NY, John Flanagan of Fort Walton Beach, FL, Thomas Flanagan of Havelock, NC. He is also survived by 18 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and countless friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Lt. Col. Lawrence James Flanagan may be made to: Catholic Charities, The Wounded Warrior Project or any other life affirming charity.

Online condolences may be made to the Flanagan family at www.cottenfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are by Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory.