Howard Sinclair Flota, 99 of Jacksonville, Florida and formerly of Mt. Vernon, Illinois passed away on January 04, 2020 in Jacksonville, Florida where he has resided since 2012. Howard was born on Friday, July 16, 1920 in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, the son of the late Theron Flota and Ethel (McCarthy) Flota. He married the late Beatrice Elizabeth Skinner on November 23, 1939 in Mt. Vernon, Illinois and they were blessed to be together for 76 wonderful years.
Surviving family members include: Daughter: Ida Sue Robinson and husband Ronald of Jacksonville, FL; Grandson: Scott Flota and wife Tracy of Mt. Vernon, Illinois; Granddaughter: Stephanie Post and husband Mike of Newburgh, Indiana; Granddaughter: Teresa Hahn and husband Karl of Mt. Vernon, Illinois; Granddaughter: Susan Everage and husband Ricky of Bethalto, Illinois; Grandson: Rob Robinson and wife Celeste of Mt. Vernon, Illinois; Fifteen (15) Great-Grand Children; Thirteen (13) Great-Great- Grand ChildrenHoward was preceded in death by his Wife: Beatrice (Skinner) Flota; Parents: Theron Flota and Ethel (McCarthy) Flota of Mt. Vernon, IL; Son: Bobbie Alfred Flota; Sister: Opal Justice of Mt. Vernon, IL; Brothers: Edward Flota; Dwight Flota; Coy Flota; Gale Flota; Junior Flota and Denzil Flota all of Mt. Vernon, IL.
Howard retired from General Tire Rubber in Mt. Vernon, IL in 1988 (he was a Supervisor in the Final Finish Dept). He was a Beloved Baptist Minister for 60+ years, serving at the following churches: Oak Grove F.W.B, Sesser, IL 1949-1951; Mt. Vernon 1st F.W.B, Mt. Vernon, IL 1955-1957; Bakerville F.W.B., Mt. Vernon, IL 1958-1965; Mt. Vernon 1st F.W.B., Mt. Vernon, IL 1965-1972; Waltonville F.W.B., Waltonville, IL 1973-1982; Interim Pastor, Mt. Vernon 1st F.W.B., Mt. Vernon, IL 1986-1989; and Church of Buttonwood Bay, Sebring, FL for 23 years.
Howard served his country during WWII in Japan during 1943-1944. He was in the Motor Pool Division and was a guard for General McArthur. He was also a Bronze Star recipient! It was while he was on the frontlines in Japan, hiding in a ditch, while everyone around him was being shot at and killed. He reached out to God for protection and promised Him that he would serve Him for the rest of his life. WELL DONE MY GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT!
A Visitation will be held on Friday, January 10, 2020 from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Hughey Funeral Home in Mount Vernon, Illinois. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2020 at 1:00 P.M. at First Freewill Baptist Church in Mount Vernon, Illinois with Reverend Tom Skinner officiating. Full Military Rites will be held at Bethel Cemetery. Interment will follow.
Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visist hugheyfh.com for further information.