L. Martin Flanagan of West Palm Beach, FL died peacefully at the age of 92 in Bradenton, FL on February 3rd 2024. Born in Greenville, S.C., the only child of Leon S. Flanagan (WWI vet) and Eloise Martin Flanagan (born in Cedar Key, 1902). Martin had a deep connection to Florida and always regretted not being born here which would have made him a 4th generation Floridian.
In 1955, Martin married Mary Georgie deSaussure of Charleston, S.C. They were married 66 years before her passing in July 2021. He and Mary had four children Patrick, Michael, Georgiana and Kathleen, eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Much to his delight, all of his children and five of his grandchildren reside in Florida, and still enjoy family gatherings on special occasions.
Martin earned his undergraduate degree from The Citadel in Charleston, S.C. Following his graduation in 1953, he served in the U.S. Army (anti-aircraft artillery) during the Korean War era, and thereafter in the Army Reserve retiring with the rank of Captain.
Martin entered the University of Virginia School of Law in 1956, graduating in 1958. He began practicing law as a civil trial lawyer in West Palm Beach at the firm of Jones, Adams, Paine & Foster. He continued with the firm for 34 years, during which time they grew to 50 lawyers. He was a member of their Board of Directors and President for a number of years. His law practice was civil trials, specializing in the defense of various physicians and hospitals in medical malpractice cases and clients such as General Motors and Ford Motor Company and other manufacturers in product liability cases. In connection with his law practice, Martin served as President of the Florida Defense Lawyers Association and was a member of National Product Liability Advisory Counsel. He also served on the Editorial Board of the Trial Advocate Counsel, holds a Diplomat status with the American Board of Trial Advocates, and is a member of the Lile Law Society. In addition, he is a recipient of Emeritus Award from the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, and received an Exceptional Performance Citation from the Defense Research Institute.
Additionally, he served on the Board of Directors of West Palm Beach Crime Prevention Committee, and held the position of Municipal Judge in the Town of Lake Clarke Shores, then later became a member of the Town Counsel. He is also a member of the American Legion, the National Eagle Scout Association, and the Order of the Arrow. Martin was a longtime member of the West Palm Beach Kiwanis Club serving on the Board of Directors, and as a member of the Kiwanis Foundation, which provides college scholarships to over 80 deserving Palm Beach County students each year. Martin was also devoted to his family’s educational pursuits and lived to see all of his children and grandchildren earn college degrees, or higher.
Martin had a passion for travel, and over the years visited all of the contiguous states in a motorhome. His also traveled to all of the European countries, a few of the Middle-Eastern and Far-Eastern countries, as well as a few South American countries. His bucket list is empty except for a trip to Australia.
Martin was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Mary deSaussure Flanagan, and survived by his two sons and two daughters, eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He was very proud knowing that all of his children and grandchildren are the best of friends.
He said: “I know my life was a success because my memories make me smile”.
A family graveside service will be held February 24th.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Kiwanis Scholarship Foundation c/o Cheri Boone, 1681 Walden Lane, West Palm Beach, FL 33406