John Willis Flanders

John Willis Flanders, born November 18, 1935 in Anderson Indiana to Glenn and Lucille Flanders, died at his home of three years in Muncie Indiana on October 14, 2022.  John graduated from Walnut Grove high school in Hamilton County Indiana in 1953 and from Ball State Teachers college in 1957.  As a boy, he played trombone and later gave it up to play basketball following in his father’s footsteps, who was one of the original Hamilton County Mudsocks.  He often walked to the one room schoolhouse from his family farm near Arcadia Indiana and told of having his own cup at the well.  After college he taught business classes at Elwood highschool. He supplemented their income by also working at Wickes lumber company and Dairy Farm. He built his home on the family farm in Arcadia Indiana, where he raised Arabian horses. In 1960, he started working at Guide Lamp in Anderson Indiana and retired after 30 years as a general foreman.  He may be remembered as an entrepreneur before and after his retirement.  His many business ventures included: Flanders Arabians, The Midnight Mine, The Hair Loom and Flanders Video and Photo Productions. His last video job was in Oklahoma in 2021 during the pandemic where he worked for Seehorse Video.  John’s second career lasted 26 years. He loved life, travel and adventure. John never knew a stranger!  He enjoyed conversation and spoke to everyone. He was a horseman, motorcycle, bicycle and golf enthusiast.  He also loved to snow ski.  Our dad was a man of God.  He and Bette were members of Wesley Free Methodist church in Anderson.  His certificate of membership with the Indiana Masons began in 1967.  He was also an active Gideon.  He married Betty Sue Harris on December 19, 1954.  Together they had three children: Monte Glenn Flanders, Shari Lynn Flanders and Kristi Elaine Caples.  John married Bette Jean (Seward) McMahan on February 14, 1978.  They were married and lived in Hamilton County for 43 years.  Sadly, Bette preceded John in death.  John Flanders is lovingly remembered by his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  He showed his love by being present for them at every possible life event and by also recording most events.  Family members include: Monte (deceased) and Connie Flanders; Arik and Jill Flanders and children Leighton and Savannah; Kelin and Jason Sarber and children Tyler and Jack Andis; Lauren and Dan Gross and children Olivia, Claire and George; Shari Flanders and Jack Burton; Jeffrey Pearson; Kiara and Shawn Keunzler and children Anja and Niko; Lukas Kai Flanders (deceased) and children Aaron and Sabrina Flanders and Lukas Flanders; Kristi and Martin Caples; Monica Caples (deceased) and Tim Keyes; Travis and Kristina Caples and children Molly, Simon and Calvin; Heather Caples and Drew; Desiree Forrester; Tyler and Michelle Pugsley and children Eliza and Everly; Kelsey and Seth Buck and children Brantley and Benson; Kristian and Tony; Scott and Cassidy Reasonor; Angela and Greg Cruse and children Ciera and Chandler.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 22, 2022, at Flanner Buchanan – Oaklawn Memorial Gardens (Conner Suite), 9700 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis, IN 46250, where funeral services will immediately follow, beginning at 1:00 p.m.  To view the service via livestream please click HERE.  Burial in Oaklawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, checks may be made to Ivy Tech Foundation Monica Caples Scholarship and mailed c/o 2603 W. Adams St. Muncie, Indiana 47303.  There will also be a donation box available for services.