H. Alden Flanders, M.D., 93, passed away Thursday, May 29, 2014, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, Lawrence, KS, after a short illness.
He was born in Ellsworth, KS, September 23, 1920, to Earl and Pearl Flanders. He was a graduate of Ellsworth High School, the University of Kansas, and the University of Kansas Medical School in 1943. He was a retired internist and medical director of the Rehabilitation Unit at Hadley Memorial Hospital in Hays, KS.
He later resided in McAllen, TX, Salina, KS, and most recently, Lawrence, KS.
He served as a LTJG in the U.S. Navy during World War II, continued his service in the Naval Reserves, and was recalled to active duty from 1953-54, stationed in San Diego, CA. He was honorably discharged in 1954.
Dr. Flanders was a member of the Hays Presbyterian Church, a Mason, and a member of Nu Sigma Nu Medical Fraternity. He was involved in many humanitarian activities all of his life. In retirement, he was a continuing supporter of education. He established the Mary and Pearl Flanders School in rural Cambodia and remained a benefactor throughout his life. He also developed computer classes and a computer lab at the Senior Center in Salina, KS. He and his wife, Mary, sponsored the Le family from Viet Nam, with whom he remained close. Alden and Mary were supporters of Women for Women International, as well.
He pursued many interests during his life, including photography, sailing, music, painting, technology, tennis, and always a good book to read.
He will be sadly missed by: one daughter, Lynn Broman, Littleton, CO and her husband, Gary; four sons, Bill, Paradise, TX and his wife, Peggy; John, Rochester, MN and his wife, Gail; Richard, Grayslake, IL and his wife Cyndi; and Philip, Lawrence, KS and his wife, Jane; nine grandchildren, Lisa Dick, Aron Flanders, Karl Broman, Kirsten Broman, Nick Flanders, Sean Flanders, Eric Flanders, Zach Flanders, and Corey Flanders-Foster; five great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Horace, Virgil, and Donald, and his beloved wife of 67 years, Mary Munson Flanders.
Following cremation, Dr. Flanders ashes will join those of his wife in the Rocky Mountains. A family memorial will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Palliative Care Unit of the Lawrence Memorial Hospital, 325 Maine St., Lawrence, KS 66044.
