Dale Thomas (Tom) Flynn, 83, passed away on August 10, 2018 in his St. George home surrounded by loved ones.
Tom was born on November 15, 1934 in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Joseph Patrick and Mary Viola Flynn.
Tom married Sharlene Frazier of Salt Lake City, and was sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. They have been married over 64 years and have enjoyed a wonderful life together. Tom and Sharlene have 5 children, 14 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren, and the family continues to grow. Family meant everything to Tom. He loved making memories with his family, and his grandchildren brought immeasurable love and joy to his life. We love you and you will be missed!
Tom's Life: Tom was born the sixth child of 10 children. He grew up tough and overcame much adversity in his life. He was always independent and made up his own mind, even as a young child. In fact, Tom decided not to attend the third grade. His parents were not aware that he was skipping school, but Tom was promoted to the 4th grade despite his lack of attendance.
Also, Tom was known as the "bad boy" of the neighborhood because he drove his car too fast down the neighborhood streets. This was particularly troubling because he was only 14 when he bought his first car. Again, his parents did not know about the automobile purchase, as he kept the car away from the house. Tom and Sharlene met when Tom, at 17, offered the then 14-year old Sharlene a ride in his car. They soon fell in love.
Tom worked as a General Contractor to support his family. He successfully built his own construction company, and later in life, ventured into owning a concrete business, AA U-Cart. Tom was always looking for new business opportunities through the years in order to improve his family's quality of life. One of Tom's passions was looking for and investing in property. And, when times were tough in the construction industry, he did whatever he could to make a living, like hauling top soil. It was important to Tom that he provided a good life, and an excellent living, for his wife and children to enjoy.
Tom was extremely close with his family. They created many happy memories together enjoying activities like boating, snowmobiling, motorcycling, camping, and road trips. Even during the peak summer season for construction, Tom would take off some time from work every year for a family vacation of boating on Lake Powell!
Both Tom and Sharlene supported their children in whatever their interests were and provided them with the means to pursue them, like training and riding horses, dance, gymnastics, singing, artwork, piano, etc. They even indulged the hobby of panning for gold in a stream near our home.
Later in Life, Tom and Sharlene loved to travel, including trips to Alaska, China, Egypt, Ireland, Portugal, and Russia. During their trip to China, near the Great Wall of China, some local townspeople welcomed Tom and Sharlene with open arms.
Survived by: Wife: Sharlene, Children: Sheryll Ann Jungert, Thomas Patrick (Teri) Flynn, Daren Berkley Flynn, Mary Elizabeth (Ron) Bollschweiler, Kimberly Rae (Leon) Lamoreaux, 14 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren. Tom's living siblings include: Dean Flynn, Carolyn Wyman, Kay Flynn, Marla Muir, and Janet Thompson.
Preceded in death by: His parents: Mary Viola and Joseph Flynn; Siblings: Lorraine Robison, Richard "Dick" Flynn, Belva Jean Smith, Loyal Wayne Flynn; and Grandson: Benjamin Patrick Flynn Bollschweiler.
Lessons from Tom for us all to live by:
"Be honest in word and deed, and meet your obligations."
"Be generous to others with your time and resources."
"Help others when you see a need, don't wait to be asked to help."
"Stand up for what's right, even if you are the underdog."
"Always keep your word."
"Work hard and do a good job."
"Feed and water that which you want to grow."
"Everyone should learn to drive a dump truck, and back up a trailer."
Tom has fought a good fight and has kept the faith. The world is a better place because he has lived. We love you! God be with us ‘til we meet again…
Service Information: The viewing will be at 9:30 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. and Funeral will be from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on August 17, 2018 at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E. Dimple Dell Road (10600 So.), Sandy, Utah, 84092. Internment will take place at Larkin Cemetery at approximately 12:30 p.m.
The Family would like to thank the caregivers that were serving him in his later years, including: Dixie Regional Medical Center, Intermountain Homecare and Hospice, and Dixie Home Rehab and Hospice.
