May 13, 1934 ~ August 19, 2022 (age 88)
Obituary
A memorial service for Henry Darvin Fleniken, 88, of Nacogdoches will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, August 26, 2022 in the chapel at Laird Funeral Home. Service to be officiated by Dock L. Lazarine.
Darvin was born May 13, 1934 and passed away August 19, 2022 at his home in Nacogdoches. He was born and raised in Nacogdoches, Texas where he lived his entire life. He graduated from Nacogdoches High School in 1951 and attended SFA but then was called into military service.
Darvin’s true passion was flying. He was born to be a pilot and flight instructor. He was always happiest up amongst the clouds. He adored flying, flight instruction and buying, selling and repairing airplanes.
Darvin is survived by his wife Pat Fleniken of Nacogdoches and also by his previous wife of forty-three years, Mary Louise Fleniken of Friendswood. He is also survived by his daughter, Davalyn Fleniken Lapp (Benjy) of Friendswood, sister-in-law Paula Williams of Coldspring, niece Wendy Sheffield (Alan) of Humble, great niece Delaney Sheffield, of Humble, sister-in-law Patricia Ann Williams of Kingwood, great nephew Alec Williams, his sister Orbie Jean Hughes of Shreveport, LA and nephew Terry Hughes (Aimee) and their children of Shreveport, LA, and his nephew Doug Harris (Debbie) of Dayton. Also survived by many Harris nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his father, Orbie “Jake” Fleniken, mother, Mamie Harris Fleniken; and sister, Marion Louise Harris, and by a nephew and two nieces. Also by his brother-in-laws Max “Buddy” Williams and Ross Martin Willams and his nephew Martin Ross Williams.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to two of Darvin’s dear friends, and fellow pilots, Rusty Russ and J.D. Redfield for the countless hours they spent visiting him, taking him to lunch, discussing airplanes, and looking out for his wellbeing. Rusty and J.D. were like two sons he never had and it meant the world to him. The family could never repay Rusty and J.D. for all they have done.
Many thanks to the caring staff from Affinity Hospice of Lufkin and his compassionate caregivers Peggy Gilder and Jennifer Miles.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital which Darvin visited and has been supporting for many years.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Henry Darvin Fleniken, please visit our floral store.
Services
MEMORIAL SERVICE
Friday
August 26, 2022
1:00 PM
Laird Funeral Home
2116 South Street
Nacogdoches, TX 75964