John Floyce Flater

LITTLETON, COLORADO – John Flater, 88, died of complications from Alzheimer’s, July, 16, 2021 at Highline Place Memory Care. He was born June 30, 1933, in Pittsburg, Kansas, the son of Floyce Franklin Flater and Birdie Faye Reusch Cappers Flater. John attended Ozark School, a one room schoolhouse near the family farm. He graduated from Girard High School, Class of 1950. Following high school graduation, he went to Pittsburg State University graduating with a B.S. in Physics in 1954. John was a lifelong learner completing a B.S in Business in 1969 and taking courses in geology and photography. While at Pittsburg State University, John met Willa June Burton. They were married in Richmond, Kansas May 23, 1953 and recently celebrated 68 years of marriage. Upon graduating college, John enlisted in the US Army, serving two years in El Paso, Texas and served in the Army Reserves until 1963. He went on to work for Martin Marietta / Lockheed Martin for 34 years. John received many commendations from officers and managers throughout his work history. John collected stamps, enjoyed history, geology and was an avid photographer, winning many awards in the MARS photo club. He enjoyed traveling. Family vacation usually involved travel to areas known for their rocks. John and June travelled often to Missouri, Florida and Hawaii. International travel included Germany, Austria, Italy, England, Spain, Netherlands, Switzerland, New Zealand, and Australia. Upon retirement, John taught computer classes at the Littleton Senior Center. John had many organizational memberships including American Association for the Advancement of Science, The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, Order of Demolay, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, YMCA, Phi Lambda Chi, Sigma Iota Epsilon, MARS Photography Club and the Arapahoe Stamp Club. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Marlyn Mills. Surviving in addition to his wife, June, are five children, all of the Denver Metro area: Glynda Tapley, Rolina Carter, Charlaine Douden, Roland Flater and Erik Flater; Nine grandchildren, Elissa and Mathew Reasy, Andrew Carter, Jonathan and Bryan Douden, Sean and Sierra Flater, Joshua and Caleb Flater; Three great-grandchildren, Kayla Sedoff, and Mason and Michael Douden; one brother Shorty Flater. Services are at Ft Logan Military Cemetery, Tuesday, August 10, 2021, 2:15 PM. Gathering of remembrance following at the Carter Home, 592 S Flower St., Lakewood, Colorado. Those who wish to remember John may make gifts to: Alzheimer's Association 455 N. Sherman St. #500 Denver, CO 80203