Ned R. Flesher

Ned Raynor Flesher, 87, of Galesburg, died peacefully at home on May 17, 2021 at 10:15 p.m. Ned was born August 25, 1933 in Oak Park, IL, the son of Ruth Timme Flesher and Clarence Gail Flesher.  He married Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Bonesteel, his high school sweetheart and the love of his life on May 15, 1955 in Honolulu, Hawaii.  Ned is survived by his wife, Betty; four sons, Keith Flesher of Galesburg, Mark (Linnea) Flesher of Merrillville, IN, Scott Flesher of La Mesa, CA, Brett (and Joani) Flesher of Galesburg; one sister, Sandra (and Bob) Sheldon of Moutlonborough, NH; nine grandchildren; fourteen great grandchildren; one great great granddaughter; and two great great grandsons.  He was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother. Ned was a graduate of Galesburg High School, class of 1951, and attended the University of Hawaii and the University of Illinois and graduated with a BS Degree from Bradley University in 1959.  He served in the US Army in Hawaii from 1954 to 1956 and was a Korean Veteran.  Ned worked for his parents at Benedict Music Store in Galesburg and in 1962, he purchased the store and renamed it Flesher House of Music.  Ned and Betty operated the store until 1996 when they both retired.  Ned and Betty loved to travel and traveled to all 50 States.  They also enjoyed traveling to 67 different countries throughout the world. Cremation will be accorded and graveside services will be held for the family at the Rock Island Arsenal National Cemetery.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg.  Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.