Alfred "Gene" Flowers, 93, of New Eagle, died Tuesday, July 4, 2017 in the Residence at Hilltop, Monongahela. He was born October 31, 1923 in Bunola, the son of Andrew and Helen Lang Flowers.
In 1943, Gene enlisted in the US Army, 91st division during World War II. On August 15, 1944, he was captured in Italy and spent the next 266 days as a prisoner of war. Corporal Flowers returned home on November 30, 1945 and was the recipient of the Bronze Star, Good Conduct, American Campaign, WW II Victory, POW, European African Middle Eastern Campaign with Two Stars, Combat Infantryman Badge and the Purple Heart. Gene then worked at US Steel Clairton Works as a heavy equipment mechanic, retiring after forty three years of employment. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Monongahela, where he was chairman of the trustee board, head usher, served on several pulpit committees, maintained and drove the church bus. He also spent his time volunteering for Tri Community Ambulance as a driver and maintaining the ambulances and oxygen tanks. For many years, he enjoyed delivering Meals-on-Wheels and was a member of the Sutman Yohe VFW Post 1409 in Black Diamond, the Carroll Legion James C. Ford Post 949 in Dunkirk and the Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees.
He is survived by his son, Eugene "Buddy" Flowers and wife Beverly of Bluffton, SC; three daughters, Roberta Flowers of New Eagle, Barbara Ulens and husband Don of Charleroi, Susan Flowers and fiance' Eric Fertenbaugh of Lewisberry; four grandchildren, Claudine Khare and husband Scott, Ryan Flowers and wife Krisha, Justin Flowers and partner Corey Robinson, Michelle Weber and husband Ryan; three step grandchildren, Brenda Jennion and husband Brian, Jeffrey Ulens and wife Kim, Kevin Ulens and fiance' Cathy Nestler; five great grandchildren, Paige and Tyler Khare, Zoe Showalter-Flowers, Brayden and Landon Weber; two step great grandchildren, Tyler and Adam Ulens; brother, Charles Flowers of Elizabeth.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Vivian Beryl Parkinson Flowers who died on August 24, 2005; three sisters, Helen Crovak, Lorraine Alex, Evelyn Flowers; and four brothers, Andrew, Walter, John and Wilbert Flowers.
Friends will be received on Thursday, July 6, 2017 from 7-9 PM and Friday, July 7, 2017 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM in the Frye Funeral Home Inc., 427 West Main Street, Monongahela. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 8, 2017 at 11:00 AM in the First Baptist Church with the Rev. Mark Schollaert and Pastor Kenneth Kirby co-officiating. Committal services and interment will follow in Mon Valley Memorial Park, Donora with military honors accorded by the Mon Valley Honor Guard and Firing Squad.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, 601 W. Main Street, Monongahela, PA 15063 or to Tri Community Ambulance, 226 Chess Street, Monongahela, PA 15063.