The Shreveport Times

Obituaries

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Cecil A. Flanders

MANSFIELD, LA- Services for Cecil A. Flanders, Sr. will be held on Friday, June 27, 2008 at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Mansfield. Visitation will be on Thursday, June 26 from 5-8 at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Mansfield.

Mr. Flanders was born on December 14, 1910 and passed away on Tuesday, June 24 at the age of 97. He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris Fincher Flanders; their infant son, William Frank Flanders and two sisters, Frances Flanders and Minnie Merle Douglas. Left to cherish his memory are his son, C. Alfred Flanders, Jr. and wife, Berverly; three grandchildren, Jane F. Heisser of Chattanooga, TN, Sarah F. Baxter and husband, Kevin of Stonewall and Stephen Flanders and wife, Bridget of Mansfield. He was also blessed by his 3 great-grandchildren, Elena Heisser and Will and Adrianne Baxter.

The life of Cecil Flanders centered areound his family, his church (First Baptist Church, Mansfield) and his work/community service. He served his church as a deacon for 65 years and was Chairman of the Deacons for 25 years. He was a director and teacher in the Sunday School and served on most committees within the church. He was a gifted singer and faithful member of the Adult Choir for over 65 years. He was a Trustee of the Louisiana Baptist Foundation from 1964-1970 and 1973-1976.

Mr. Flanders graduated from Mansfield High School in 1928 in the depths of the Depression. Unable to afford to go to college, he went to work in the Clerk of Court's office--among his duties was to record court proceedings, as he was a master typist. In 1946 he made a career change and joined his uncle, P.C. Fair, at DeSoto Federal Savings and Loan Association--the 8th nationally chartered Savings and Loan, and he spent the remainder of his business career in this new industry. He served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of "DeSoto Federal" for many years until his retirement in 1991.

People throughout the community remember him as one who made it possible for them to own their first home. He was highly respected in the banking field, and was a past president of the Louisiana Savings and Loan League, as well as serving on the executive committee of the League. He was also a partner in the P.C. Fair Insurance Agency, which later became Flander's Insurance Agency when his son joined him in business in 1966.

Service to his community was an important part of Mr. Flander's life. He was a charter member of the Mansfield Lions Club when it began in 1940. He was past president of the Chamber of Commerce and was honored by the Chamber in 1999 as the first recipient of its Emeritus Award for his dedicated service to the community. He also served terms on the DeSoto Parish School Board and the DeSoto Hospital Association. Mayor Curtis McCoy proclaimed June 21, 2007 as "Cecil Flander's Day", honoring his many years of service to the community.

The family would like to thank Dr. Denis Kamberov for his devoted and compassionate care of our loved one. We also thank Lessie Moore, Mary young, Emma Palmer, Odessie Robinson, Tawanda Gilliam, Lizzie Peoples and Myrtis Whitaker for their faithful care.

For those who would like to place memorials, the family requests that they be made to First Baptist Church, 1710 McArthur Drive, Mansfield, La 71052 or the Lions' Club Crippled Children's Camp.

The family has lost a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather, The community has lost a true Christian gentleman, but Heaven has welcomed home a good and faithful servant. Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Mansfield Chapel 872-4660