Earl Flanagan University of Illinois Band Uniform, 1942 | The Sousa Archives and Center for American Music

Earl Flanagan (1924-2023) was an engineer and architect with the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in Washington DC and a graduate of the Engineering program at the University of Illinois. Born in Harvey, Illinois, Flanagan was the fourth child of John Layton and Clara Flanagan. He graduated from Thornton Township High School in 1942. That year he began his studies at the University of Illinois, performing with the Illinois Concert Band on flute. He was drafted into the US Army near the end of his first semester. Serving under George S. Patton, Flanagan was a member of the 71st Infantry Division of the 3rd Army. Flanagan served in the advance team in the invasion of France in 1945. Following the war, Flanagan assisted with the US-led Military Government of Germany, joining the GI Symphony on flute.

After returning to his studies in architectural engineering, Flanagan became the last principal flutist to play under A. A. Harding. During his studies, he joined Theta Xi Fraternity and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. He graduated with his bachelors in 1950. Shortly thereafter, Flanagan returned to active duty in the Air Force during the Korean War. He left military service in 1953 at which point he received a job as an architect at Perkins and Will in Chicago. In the late 1950s he and his wife Virginia helped organize the Harvey, Illinois Community Concert Organization. From 1973 to 1989, he served as the prinicpal architect to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in Washington D.C. Flanagan died in Alexandria, Virginia in 2023.

Flanagan's Band uniform was made by DeMoulin Brothers of Greenville, Illinois. The style of uniform used by the University Band changed prior to Flanagan's return to the University in 1946 after he served in the U. S. Army during World War II. The uniform remained with his parents until their death.