Andrew Jacob Flaton

Andrew Jacob Flaton, went home to the Lord on Thursday, the 8th of August, 2024, at the age of 42. Andrew is the beloved son of Theresa & Don Howell III; and Arthur Flaton, Jr ; Loving father of Trinity Debra Flaton; dear brother of Faith Ann Howell; Cherished grandson of Walter and Ginger Bivins; Don and Sharon Howell; and the late Arthur and Shirley Flaton. He was known for being a friend to all, human or furry!!!

Andrew’s determination and courage have pushed medical boundaries to the limits. He inspired many with great courage and strength, as he battled brain cancer from the early age of eighteen months. His favorite pastime was fishing and he had many great stories to tell. He loved working on cars and was an ACS Certified Auto Mechanic who received his Associate Degree in Auto Mechanics from Forest Park Community College. 

Andrew’s primary goal was to meet and make strangers into friends. He was born “polite” and made quick friends with adults as soon as he learned to talk. At the age of 12, while at Children’s Hospital, he met Jackie Smith, Hall of Fame football player, who was visiting the hospital, and they became instant friends. 

Andrew wanted to write a book to encourage other children to overcome their fears. He not only put together a great children’s story about facing fears, but wrote a few poems that were also inspiring. One day Jackie Smith came to our home with his friend Mark Vittert and they wanted to get Andrew’s book published with the proceeds going to St. Louis Children’s Hospital. What an adventure that turned out to be. John Pertzborn from one of the local news channels came to interview Andrew to promote his book and as always Andrew made quite an impression.

Once the book was published, there was a book signing set up for Andrew at Barnes & Noble on Saturday, February 18, 1995. The amazing turnout was such a blessing for Andrew and his book raised $5,000 for Children’s Hospital. There were many other stories that could be told of his adventures. But this one was very public and a once in a lifetime event that received nationwide attention. He was one of a kind! 

 In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Best Friends Animal Society. 

Andrew's visitation will be held on Wednesday August 14, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at John L. Ziegenhein & Sons South County Chapel 4830 Lemay Ferry Rd. St. Louis, MO 63129. His funeral will take place the following day, August 15, at 12:00 noon, also at the funeral home. Interment in St. Trinity Cemetery following Andrew's service.

A final message quoted from a portion of Andrew’s poem entitled 

What Life Is

“We have a great life ahead!

Now go and live it wisely,

As God has said.”