Floyd Tyrone Flowers was born on July 26, 1945 to Mrs. Annie Mae Williams, 599 S. First Ave., South Coatesville, PA, and Silas Flowers, Ercildoun. He preferred being called “Tyrone”. In his youth, he was an outstanding boy scout. Paul L. Johnson, scoutmaster of Troop 232 which met at Methodist UAME Church at 825 Chestnut St., Coatesville, called Tyrone “an excellent boy, a good leader and a boy you want to see grow up to become a young man.” He was a leader in the scouts, having attained the rank of Life Scout, and took over the meeting for the scoutmaster when necessary. Before Flowers left for the service, the troop had a farewell dinner to show its appreciation for his services. The scoutmaster said, “Tyrone was ambitious and knew how to get things for himself. He got into some trouble at school once but wanted to return. But he went into the service then.” Flowers sang with the youth chorus as a member of the First Apostle Church at 100 Gibbons Ave., South Coatesville. 

This young man worked for Lukens Store on April 1, 1964 and left on May 19, 1965 to join the marines. He left school in tenth grade. Emory Bachman, who is general manager of the store, called Tyrone “a wonderful fellow,” and further said. “he was well liked and very courteous,” During his final leave before being sent to Viet Nam, Flowers spent three weeks working in the store and visiting his family. This Marine wanted to return to the store after his discharge. 

Upon entering the Marine Corp, Pvt. Flowers completed basic training at Parris Island, South Carolina, and further training at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. This hero arrived in Viet Nam on Dec. 13, 1966, and survived but one month and one day. This 21 year old Lance Corporal with the Marines was killed near Da Nang in South Viet Nam on January 15, 1967. A telegram sent to his sister, Mrs. Mary A. Gibbs, 313 S. First Ave., stated he died when he “sustained fragmentation wounds to the body from a hostile mortar round while in a defensive position.” In addition to his parents and sister Mary (Gibbs), he was survived by two brothers, James E. Williams, Coatesville, and Silas Flowers Jr., New York, and sisters Mrs. Louise Marlow, and Anneliese Williams, all of Coatesville, and Silena C. Flowers currently residing in Northampton PA and Brenda S. Flowers currently residing in West Chester, PA.

Funeral Services for this hero were held January 25, 1967 from the Union Baptist Church, South Coatesville. Elder Leroy R. Hines, pastor of First Apostle FBH Church, South Coatesville, officiated and gave the eulogy. Remarks were given by Elder George L. Eggleston, Elder John Washington, Elder Alonzo D. Baxter, Bor. George Myers, and the Rev. T. M. Carter. Interment was in Church of Christ Cemetery, Ercildoun, PA.

Pallbearers were Gy Sgt. R. R. Thomas, Gy Sgt. L. Smith, Jr., Sgt. J. W. Coburn, Sgt. B. J. Bandy and Sgt. K. E. Lotridge. The bugler was Pfc. Hydeck, M. S.. Military services were conducted by detail units from the Fourth Marine Corp District, including the Marine Training Base at Folsom, PA, Camden N. J., and Philadelphia. L/Cpl William Fleming was the escort.