Kitchens, baths focus of firms run by businessman

12/11/2007

SWANTON - William "Bill" M. Flagg of Swanton, who owned two businesses in the kitchen and bathroom industry, died Sunday in St. Luke's Hospital, Maumee. He was 64.

Though he was frail and had battled leukemia since being diagnosed with it in February, 2005, Mr. Flagg's death was ruled accidental, according to a son, Christopher, who said his father had complications after falling in the hospital last Wednesday.

"He had a wonderful sense of humor," said Carolyn Flagg, Mr. Flagg's wife of 42 years. "There weren't many people who didn't like Bill."

The couple met at a West Toledo dance hall. Mrs. Flagg said she was drawn to him by his humor, then grew to admire the way he doted on his three children as they raised their family.

One of his businesses, HDC Sales and Marketing Inc., was named in honor of his daughter, Holly Rehner, and sons David and Christopher Flagg. Mr. Flagg also owned Blue Creek Cabinet Co.

He loved to fish, enjoyed ballroom dancing, and was a good artist.

"He was quite a character," Mrs. Flagg said. "He would have done anything to help anyone if they needed it."

The family's resilience was tested on a few occasions when sales were off in the kitchen and bathroom industry, leaving them low on cash and struggling to pay bills.

"He never gave up," Mrs. Flagg said.

Christopher said he admired his father's determination and integrity.

"Family motivated him. He put himself last always. He truly was the leader," Christopher said. "He was very generous."

Mr. Flagg was born Oct. 21, 1943, in Toledo. He began his career in the kitchen and bathroom industry in 1962. He was a former owner of Superior Kitchens and Creative Kitchens, and vice president of sales and marketing for Kemper Cabinetry.

He served in the Marine Corps in 1964 and '65, and in the Marine Reserves from 1965 through '71.

Mr. Flagg was a member of Zenobia Shrine, Whitehouse American Legion, Pyramid Masonic Lodge, and Swanton Chamber of Commerce.

Surviving are his wife, Carolyn; daughter, Holly Rehner; sons, David and Christopher Flagg; mother, Zella Flagg; brother, James Flagg; sister, Margaret Baumgartner, and five grandchildren.

Visitation will be after 3 p.m. tomorrow at Peinert Funeral Home, Waterville, with a Masonic service at 6:30 p.m. tomorrow. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday in the funeral home.

The family suggests tributes to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the American Cancer Society's Hope Lodge in Cleveland, or Shriners Hospitals for Children.