Sean Michael Flippin

Sean M. Flippin, 34, of Merriam, KS passed away at approximately 8:40 pm on August 1, 2016 after a year-long battle with liver cancer. He peacefully left this world while holding the hand of his beloved wife, Linda.

Sean was born on December 1, 1981 in Wichita, KS. He was the only son of Gary and Ladonna Flippin, and he spent the majority of his early childhood in Nowata, OK.

A Class of 2000 graduate from Field Kindley High School in Coffeyville, KS, Sean began his working career in concessions and fast food. His love for cars is evident as the majority of his career was spent working in the automotive industry. He was employed as a Parts Specialist at Baron BMW in Merriam, KS for the last five years.

On December 7, 2002, Sean became a father to his only child, Sadie E. Riedel, of Overland Park, KS. Sean was a protective and caring father who loved his daughter greatly. She had a special place in his heart. It's evident that Sean and Sadie are father and daughter as she inherited his witty personality, humorous sarcasm, and a few of his more memorable facial expressions. Sadie's strength is a testament to her father's ability to maintain a positive attitude and not dwell on those aspects of life we cannot change.

After meeting in 2012 and dating for three years, Sean embraced love again and proposed to Linda Graverholt, of Olathe, KS in June of 2015. Approximately two months into their engagement, Sean and Linda tied the knot in an intimate and meaningful ceremony so they could face cancer together. The Biblical adage "two shall become one" was evident between Sean and Linda. It's clear to everyone who knew them that they perfectly complemented one another, and that their love endures.

Sean was the epitome of a "car guy" and loved to buy, sell, and tinker with cars throughout his life. Having owned 31 cars since the age of 16, not much brought Sean greater joy than the prospect of finding and fixing a new-to-him car. He was unafraid to share his opinion on just about everything, and he was a good friend who was reliable and always willing to lend a hand. His eclectic tastes in music and food provided an unexpected flair and an opportunity for fun, laughter, and a lively exchange.

A quote from Sean's favorite movie series, "The Fast and the Furious," perfectly summarizes his perspective on life:

It's trust and character I need around me. Who you choose to be around you lets you know who you are . . . Look at all those people down there. They follow the rules, for what? They're letting fear lead them . . . Life's simple. You make choices, and you don't look back.

-Han, "The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift"

Sean is preceded in death by: his father, Gary D. Flippin, his paternal grandfather, and his maternal grandmother. He is survived in death by: his wife Linda M. Flippin, his daughter Sadie E. Riedel, his mother Ladonna D. Flippin, and a large, extended family who loves him dearly.

Special thanks to the Shawnee Mission Medical Center Nursing Staff, the entire team at Olathe Hospice House, the caring members and leaders of Vertical Church of Merriam, KS, and numerous friends and family who have lent their support in a variety of ways.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 6, 2016 at 3:00 pm at Amos Family Funeral Home; 10901 Johnson Drive; Shawnee, KS. At Sadie's request, please wear bright colors to honor the fun-loving memory and zeal of her dad.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a Go Fund Me account created to help defray the medical expenses. The account can be accessed at: https://www.gofundme.com/2h48b2ss.