Posted: 07/15/09

Steven Sperry Flynn found peace in the arms of his Lord on July 10, 2009, after many years of struggling with mental illness. An incredibly kind and gentle soul, Steve loved and was greatly loved by his family and friends.

Steve was born to Frank Leslie Flynn and Rose Teresa Sanz Flynn on Aug. 18, 1957, in Townsend, the seventh of eight children. Steve graduated from Broadwater High in 1975. He earned a short ag degree and associate of accounting degree from Montana State.

Steve served his country in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged in 1984. He returned to Townsend and fell in love with Sharon Austin, then a nurse at the Broadwater Health Center. They were united in marriage on Oct. 5, 1986. Sharon was truly Steve's soul mate.

He especially loved children and was "Papa Steve" to many who grew up in his daycare. He invested much into the lives of the children at First Assembly and his grandchildren. He also sponsored at-risk children through Compassion International and World Vision. He enjoyed watching sports, especially those that involved his family members. He found solace in long rides in the country, poking around ghost towns with Sharon, and spending time with his grandchildren.

He faithfully served in leadership at First Assembly of God Church, and was employed by the church for the past 12 years. He was involved in Cleansing Stream Ministries. He blessed many lives in our community through handyman projects, home health care and benevolent activities. He was a member of the American Legion Post #2 in Helena.

Steve is survived by his wife, Sharon; and children, Paul (Julie) Austin and RaeLynn (Mike) Williams. "Papa Steve" adored and will be forever missed by his grandchildren, Chase Williams, Tayler, Caleb and Alicia Austin, Channing and Colter Briese; 'adopted' grandchildren, Sarah Hallauer and Jacob Moore. Steve is also survived by his mother, Rose; by his brothers, Joel (Peggy), Gary (Theresa), Kelly (Jill), Kevin (Nora) and Bryan (Emulyn) Flynn; his sisters, Loralee (Dave) Wilkey and Teresa (Dan) Artz; plus numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Frank.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Steve's life at 10:30 a.m. on July 16, at the Helena First Assembly of God Church, 2210 Dodge Ave. Interment to follow at the Veterans Cemetery, Fort Harrison.

Memorials may be sent to www.WorldVision.org, Pregnancy Resource Center, 1205 Butte Ave. Suite-2, Helena, MT 59601, National Alliance on Mental Illness, www.NAMI.org, or to First Assembly of God, (Missions), 2210 Dodge Ave., Helena, MT 59601.