Gary Michael Flannigan

Gary was born October 4, 1947, in McLeansboro, Illinois. He graduated from Tremont, Illinois High School, attended Illinois Central College, and was drafted into the US Army in 1966. After serving his country for two years, he was employed at Caterpillar, Inc. until his retirement in 2000. Gary was a very active and respected member of the community. He was heavily involved in the Junior Football League of Central Illinois (JFLOCI) for over 24 years. He helped start the Dee-Mac franchise where he served as director for 14 years, and served on the executive board of the JFLOCI for 12 years, six of those as President. Most importantly, he was a devoted Chicago Bears fan.

In January 2004 he was introduced to Loretta Humble by the wife (Isabel) of a former Army buddy (Charles), and seven years later he packed his bags and headed for Albuquerque, New Mexico to start a new chapter in his life. They were married in April of 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada by Elvis Presley (a story he enjoyed telling everyone). Gary quickly adapted to the southwest lifestyle and food, and quickly became a member of the Albuquerque Men's Senior Basketball community, traveling in and out of state to numerous tournaments and taking part in several Senior Olympic games. When knee surgery ended his "basketball career" he turned to playing golf, all the while battling cancer. And also very important, he became a devoted Lobo and Bronco fan and continued his love of the Bears.

On November 26, 2024, with his wife Loretta and daughter Nicole at his bedside, Gary lost his long battle with cancer.

Gary will be greatly missed by his loving family: wife Loretta, sons Casey Flannigan (Savannah, Georgia) and Sam Humble (Pueblo, Colorado); daughters Cassie Gouveia (Deer Creek, Illinois), Nicole Humble (Albuquerque, New Mexico), and Toni Humble (Pueblo, Colorado): grandchildren Cecelia, Holly and Brogan Flannigan; Jordan (Myrtle) and Jess (Meatloaf) Arriaga, Steven Humble, Michael and Rachel Benz; Elisa and Joshua Wlodarski; and great-granddaughters Iris and Grace Watkins.

He is also survived by his siblings Jim and Peggy Flannigan (Tremont, Illinois); Charlie and Jana Flannigan (Dexter, Missouri); D'Lisa and Jeff Richards (Bradenton, Florida); Brett and Carol Flannigan (Bradenton, Florida); Charles and Isabel Gonzales, Joseph and Kenda Garcia, Shirley Garcia and special almost family member Ben Garcia, all from Raton, New Mexico; numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Gary asked that his obituary state that he had led a charmed life, had very few regrets, and met so many wonder people throughout his life. His favorite songs were "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong and "My Way" by Frank Sinatra.

Gary requested that he be cremated and returned to Illinois and his ashes scattered at the site of his birthplace. No formal memorial service will be held.

Gary's New Mexico and Illinois families sincerely appreciate the outpouring of love and support they have received, and express a big thank you to the members of the Albuquerque Men's Senior Basketball members who will be honoring Gary with a breakfast and presenting a signed basketball to Loretta.

Also a big thank you to the doctors, nurses, and staff at the University of New Mexico Hospital for their professional and compassionate care during his many visits and stays over the years.