Freeman Arthur Flynn

Flynn, Freeman A., age 95, passed away June 17, 2016. Freeman was born July 22, 1920 in Worcester, Massachusetts. He was a World War II US Navy Lieutenant, piloting an OS2U "KIngfisher" seaplane off the battleship USS Maryland. After returning from the war, he dedicated his entire career to the Detroit Public Schools. He worked in several capacities including teacher, department head, and assistant principal. One of the most memorable times in his career was when he was Principal for Hutchins Middle School, and he walked his entire school over to hear Martin Luther King Jr. speak in the community in 1964! His commitment only continued during these troubled times as he worked as the Divisional Director for School Community Relations during decentralization and desegregation. Even after retiring in 1983, Freeman still remained active within the schools by developing a chess program at Hutchins Middle School. He volunteered his time and raised money to take the club to regional and national competitions where they were very successful. Freeman’s true passion in life was flying, both single engine planes and gliders. He was a member of the Coalition of Airline Pilots Association (CAPA) and greatly enjoyed attending their breakfast events. He was still flying at the young age of 95 and was a member of the Sandhills Soaring Club. Freeman loved spending his summers in Cape Cod, especially sailing on Pleasant Bay. He also enjoyed reading, including the poetry of Y.B. Yeats and Rudyard Kipling, keeping up on current events, and discussing civil rights. But most of all, he loved spending time with his family. He was the family patriarch. Dear husband of Betty Ruth Clapp. Loving father of Susan (Robert Wiser) Flynn Berg, Kevin, Rachel (Scott) Powell and Matthew (Jeanne). Proud grandfather of Corey (Matt) Roberts, Brenna Flynn (Ross Hardaway), Leah (Andy) Brough, Rebecca Powell (Andrew Graumlich), Robert Powell, Sarah Powell, Kevin (Cathy) Flynn, Bridie Flynn, Logan Flynn, Erin (Adrian) Robles, Michael Green, and Jillian Clapp. Great grandfather of Hannah and Norah Brough, Jack Robles, and Logan, Cameron, and Morgan Roberts. He was predeceased by his first wife Frances Elaine (nee Von Roden); parents John and Victoria Flynn; and brother John (Kitty) Flynn. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday at the Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home, 705 W. 11 Mile Road (4 blocks E. of Woodward), Royal Oak. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service at 2:30 p.m. Memorials appreciated to the Detroit Public Schools Foundation (www.dpsfdn.org). Share your memories at www.sullivanfuneraldirectors.com.

Freeman Arthur Flynn

July 22, 1920 - June 17, 2016