Rev. George Oscar Flora, 93, of Osage Beach, died Sunday, November 5, 2023, at his home. He was born November 13, 1929, in Hutchinson, Kansas, to Ora Wesley and Nellie Pearl Stoughton Flora.
He enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in Germany, then later enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving in the Korean Conflict on the frontline of combat the duration of his service. George proudly and bravely fought for his country, attaining the rank of Corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps.
After his discharge and conversion, George went to Central Bible College where he met his wife to be, as he followed the call of God on his life. He was married in 1954 to Nina Whitworth of Springfield, Missouri, and entered the full time ministry for the Assemblies of God. He and his wife evangelized and pastored several churches over his 40 plus years of ministry. He served as Presbyter in northern Missouri and as a Christian Ambassador Leader early in his ministry. He was also a Field Representative for the General Council of the Assemblies of God, in particular representing the Benevolence Department Hillcrest Children’s Home in Hot Springs, Arkansas. One of his happiest points in his ministry was in pioneering and building the Chapel of the Lake Assembly of God, now First Assembly of God, in Osage Beach, Missouri. Another highlight was achieving honor for 65 years of ordained ministry in the Assemblies of God denomination. During pioneering, and upon retirement from full time ministry, he was employed by the state of Missouri as Field Agent for the Department of Revenue and courier for the Secretary of State’s Office, where he made many loyal friends.
In retirement, he and his wife lived for a period of years in Olathe, Kansas, until 2009. They then lived in Eldon until 2022. He was also a member of the Eldon VFW chapter and was an honorary Kiwanis member. Rev. Flora will be remembered by many parishioners to this day by his noted statement “bless your heart.”
Survivors include his wife, Nina; son and daughter-in-law, Timothy and Kathy Flora of Eldon; son Thomas Ray Flora of Nashville, Tennessee; his daughter and son-in-law, Tamara Kay and Roger Stuart of Naples, Florida; two precious grandchildren, Timothy Joseph and wife Elizabeth Flora and Summer Rashelle Stuart.; and a sister, Mary Dudley.
Rev. Flora was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Victor Flora; and two sisters, Levina Flora and Darlene Merriam.
Friends will be received from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 9, 2023, at the Osage Beach First Assembly of God, where funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. J.D. Montgomery and Rev. Dan Wakefield officiating. Interment with full military honors will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Waynesville. Expressions of sympathy may be made to BGMC Children’s Ministry.
Arrangements are under the direction of 902 E. North Street, Eldon, Missouri 65026 (573) 392-3351. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.hedgesscottmillard.com.
