Joseph Michael Flynn, age 73, passed away Monday, December 27, 2021 in Norman. He was born November 19, 1948 in Troy, New York. He graduated from Putnam City High School in 1967 and attended University of Central Oklahoma from 1967 to1969. Joe was a proud Vietnam veteran. He completed basic training at Tigerland in Fort Polk, Louisiana, followed by 31 weeks of advanced infantry training, which earned him the rank of sergeant. Joe served as a platoon sergeant in Vietnam with B Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th infantry, 101st Airborne Division (Screaming Eagles), I Corp (same unit as the famous Band of Brothers of Easy Company). He was in various remote locations about 40 miles south of the DMZ from July 1970 to May 1971. During his service, Joe received many commendations, notably two Army Commendation Medals for exceptionally meritorious achievement, The Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge (CIB), Air Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from the U.S. House of Representatives, and most recently the Honorary Air Assault Badge, awarded June 24, 2021. Joe married Nancy Schnorrenberg August 24, 1968, and they were together 53 years. Joe and Nancy lived in Yukon for more than 20 years. They moved to Moore, Oklahoma in 1994. Joe enjoyed 35 years working at OG&E, and eventually went on to become a home builder in the Oklahoma City Metro. He was a former member of the Yukon Rotary Club, Yukon Chamber of Commerce, Central Oklahoma Home Builders, Oklahoma State Home Builders, and National Home Builders Association. Joe was a devout Catholic. After losing his dad at a young age, Joe became the father figure and role model to his younger brother and sisters. Joe lived for his family and the outdoors. His girls were his life. He cherished time with his daughters, Jennifer and Angela, and his granddaughter Josie, coaching and watching them play softball and basketball. He also deeply enjoyed playing board games with his grandson Grayson. Joe never turned down a chance to spend time with his family. He also loved hunting and fishing with his best friend Larry and playing golf with his son-in-law’s. He especially looked forward to participating in the MoBetta Quail Hunt each year. Joe was a man of his word – if he said he was going to do something, he did it, and he expected the same in return. He was a great storyteller, a prankster, and practical joker. His humor was witty, filled with sarcasm and the absurdities in life. Joe was always active; he never stood still long enough to let the grass grow under his feet. Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Lena Ann Flynn and Bernard Michael Flynn. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Carolyn Flynn; his two daughters, Jennifer Ann Anderson and her husband Joey of Carrollton, GA, and Angela Marie Horton and her husband Travis of Yukon, OK; his brother, Dr. Bernard Michael Flynn and his wife Karina; his sisters, Shannon Lee Archer and her husband Stephen, and Melanie Kathryn Levy and her husband Jay; grandchildren, Josie Tate Thrasher and her husband Dalton, and Grayson James Horton; great grandchildren, Jaxson Reed Thrasher and Baby Thrasher on the way; son-in-law, Robert Allen Nunn and his wife Karen, and their children, Noah, Jacob, Nathan, Johnny, and Jason; and many nieces and nephews who he loved like his own.
Services will be at Fort Sill National Cemetery in Elgin in late spring of 2022. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to Disabled American Veterans of Oklahoma at www.dav.org or by mail at 5300 N.W. 23rd St., Oklahoma City, OK 73127. Online condolences may be signed at www.yandafuneral.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Yanda & Son Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Yukon, OK.
