Karl Thomas Flair's Obituary
Karl Thomas Flair, age 40, passed away peacefully at his parents’ home in Folsom, LA on Friday, 5/23/14, after a lengthy battle with congestive heart failure. He is survived by his parents, Thomas Vernon and Ora Morriz Flair, brother Kurt Joseph Flair (Buffie), sister Kara Flair Truxillo (Kevin), nephews Jack and Drew Flair and niece Ava Truxillo.
After graduating from Brother Martin High School in 1991, Karl received an appointment to the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York. He graduated in 1995 with a B.S. degree in Marine Transportation and a Naval rank of Lieutenant. He participated in band both in high school and college. At Brother Martin, he played first chair trombone. While at the Academy, he was Commander of the Band Company and a member of the elite Fan Fare Trumpet Ensemble. As a band member, Karl represented the Academy in many ceremonies including the 1993 Presidential Inauguration and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parades, plus the Q E 2 cruise commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Normandy D- Day Landing.
During his maritime career, Karl worked for both Hiller Systems and the Naval Sea Command at Avondale Shipyard. He served as project manager for both the Navy LPD-17, Navy Strategic Sea Lift and U.S. Coast Guard Icebreaker projects. He was employed in later years as a marine surveyor for Dufour, Laskay & Strouse, Inc. of New Orleans.
A private graveside service was held in Greenwood Cemetery on Monday, June 2, 2014 officiated by Msgr. Robert Massett. Donations to the American Heart Association or a charity of choice are preferred and appreciated.
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