December 25, 1939 – May 17, 2024
Donald W. “Bud” Flynn, born on December 25, 1939, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on May 17, 2024, at ‘High Noon.’
Bud was born on a snowy Christmas day in Tightwad, Arkansas, to William H. and Pauline Flynn. He was the second of four children.
Bud graduated from Carbon County High School in Price, Utah, in May of 1957. After graduation, he immediately moved to Moab, Utah, where he met the love of his life, Joan Katherine Allred, at a community baseball game.
In early 1958, Bud enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he trained as a Class A electrician. He was then stationed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. As soon as he was able, he returned to Moab to claim the hand of his love. Bud and Joan were married on December 4, 1958, then moved to Bud’s duty station in Hawaii. Bud served his country for four years and he was honorably discharged in 1962.
After his separation from the Navy, Bud and Joan returned to Moab. With the exception of a few years spent in Elko, Nevada, Bud was a Moab resident until his death.
Bud and Joan had three children: Donald K Flynn (Jana), Gilbert W. Flynn, and Tracy J. Flynn.
Most of Bud’s professional career was spent working for Texas Gulf Kane Creek Potash Mine. After sustaining an injury in the mine, Bud worked in the warehouse and as a scraper operator until he retired at age 55. He then acquired his real estate license and was actively involved in local Moab real estate thereafter.
Bud was very proud of his involvement as a key contributor in the formation of the Grand County Sheriff’s Department Search and Rescue team while serving as a volunteer member of the Sheriff’s posse.
The love of his life and mother of his children, Joan, was tragically taken in an auto accident in Moab in 1985. Bud was also preceded in death by his parents, William and Pauline; his brother, Bill; and his grandson, Cody R. McCormick (Tracy).
He is survived by sons, Donald K. (Jana), and Gilbert W. of Moab; brother, Robert E. of Moab; daughter Tracy J. of Phoenix, Arizona; and sister Brenda Troglin (Les) of Sacramento, California; as well as nine grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
Bud was passionate about the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He also enjoyed travel and did so extensively after his retirement. He loved to watch old westerns and he would be really proud of the fact that he passed at “High Noon.”
Graveside services will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens (2651 Spanish Valley Drive, Moab) on May 28 at 11 a.m., followed by a private family gathering.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Ken Williams and staff and the Grand County Hospice organization for their compassion and support.Family and friends are invited to share tributes online at www.SpanishValleyMortuary.com.
