J. Flower Obituary

J. Paul Flower, formerly of Hugoton and Oskaloosa Kansas, passed in peace at home in Lawrence, KS, surrounded by his family on March 19, 2022.

Paul was born in Liberal, KS on August 8th, 1933 to Fannie May (Smiley) and Jesse Ellis Flower. He married Joann Elizabeth McClung on Friday the 13th of May, 1966 at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Liberal, KS. She survives of the home. Paul and Joann were blessed to complete their family through adoption by adding first a son in 1967, Kevin John Flower (currently of Gadsden, AL), and then a daughter in 1969, Janet Elizabeth (Flower, Artman) Kelley (Allen), currently of Lawrence, KS. Paul also leaves behind seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and a myriad of beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews (& beyond)! In addition to his extensive family members are the many friends, colleagues and acquaintances he acquired through the varied outreaches to which he designated a huge part of his life.

Paul was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Carol (Flower) Quattlebaum, a half-sister, Goldie (Flower, Garetta) Barber, three nephews, Everett, Jack and Roy Barber and a great-great-nephew, Reece Harbour.

Paul was a true Renaissance man who wore many hats and touched many lives. He was a farmer, a talented and lifelong musician, a graduate of the University of Kansas, a veteran, the designated family caregiver, a traveler, a teacher, a scholar, a successful small business owner, a junior choir director, a church organist for over 70 years, and a lover of the arts. As an active leader in a wide range of community service ventures, he 'volunteered relentlessly' his time and gifts. His greatest joys came when he was in active pursuit of the collective greater good, and he was tireless in his efforts on behalf of others.

A Celebration of Paul's life will be 10:30 AM Saturday, April 9th, 2022 at his home church, Trinity Episcopal in Lawrence, KS. Family and friends are welcome and invited to attend a reception in the parish hall immediately following the service. A private inurnment will follow at a later date.

Paul's care has been entrusted to our dear friends at Barnett Family Funeral Home in Oskaloosa, KS. Memorial contributions on his behalf may be sent in care of Barnett Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 602, Oskaloosa, KS 66066

As faith and music framed many of the opportunities and blessings of his own life, all memorial gifts be used to establish a music enrichment fund for the junior choir at Trinity Episcopal Church in Lawrence, Kansas. barnettfamilyfh.com