MURRAY — Dr. Richard Franklin Flynn of Murray, Ky., passed away Monday, September 17, 2012, surrounded by his family at home. Dr. Flynn was born July 5, 1937, in Clinton, Indiana. His parents were Charles and Omey Flynn.

Dr. Flynn was a life-long educator, devoting a 51 year career to improving student achievement as a teacher, principal, and superintendent in three states before coming to Murray State University where he taught graduate school for 14 years.

He is survived by his wife, Betsy; daughters, Lisa Clark and husband Curtis of Wilmington, N.C., Stephanie Flynn of Grand Junction, Colo.; and stepdaughters, Amy Peoples and husband Andy of San Jose, Calif., and Deborah Buchanan of Nashville, Tenn.; sons Erik Flynn and wife Annabel of Sydney, Australia, Channing Flynn and wife Nancy of Los Gatos, Calif., and Ryan Flynn and fianceé Jessica Hawkins of Laurel, Md.; and stepson Dan Hudson and wife Suzanne of Murray; also adopted son and daughter Am and Yuri Chetawatee of Murray; 13 grandchildren, two adopted grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and wives Greer Morgan Flynn and Sandra Beck Flynn.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made to a charitable foundation established by Richard and Betsy’s children, the Dr. Richard F. Flynn Charitable Foundation, c/o Fidelity Charitable, P.O. Box 770001, Cincinnati, OH 45277-0053, reference The Dr. Richard F. Flynn Charitable Foundation, A/C 1047770.

At Dr. Flynn’s request, there will be no service or visitation, but the family will host guests at their home, 2116 Country Road, Murray, KY 42071 on Thursday, September 20, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. The family would also appreciate written remembrances of Richard to be compiled as a keepsake, which may be brought to the home or mailed to the above address.