Edward August “Flash” Radke, 81, passed away November 27, 2012. He was born on Flag Day, June 14, 1931 in Pittsfield, Massachusetts to Edward and Lucy Bishop Radke. He grew up in Pittsfield later moving to New York with his family.
He married Elizabeth “Betty” Lysonski in May 3, 1951. After their marriage, Ed joined the Navy and served three years. After his discharge, he worked primarily in sales, selling Watkins, Fuller brush and Duratest light bulbs. He then began a career in insurance sales starting with Allstate Insurance then as the owner of his own independent insurance agency. He moved his whole family to Florida in 1976 and took up his father’s profession, roofing. He was active in the Masons in both New York and Florida. He also became active in the Shriner’s and was known as “Flash” the Clown in the Azan organization in Melbourne, Florida. Ed loved to dance and could be seen on Monday and Thursday nights at the North Lamar Senior Citizen’s Activity Center dancing the night away with his special friend of many years, JoAnn Alexander. He was also a member of the Kyle Seniors Center and the Onion Creek Senior Center in Buda.
The marriage produced six children, 13 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Betty, son Edward and granddaughter, Heather Hayslip. He is survived by children: Maryann Radke and Joe Marshall of Lawrenceville, Georgia; Charles and Laurie Radke of Centerville, Virginia; Jeff Radke and Camille West of Mountain City; Steven and Patricia Radke of Orlando, Florida; and Tina Radke and Lloyd (Buddy) Hayslip of Salado; grandchildren and great-grandchildren and one brother Cliff and wife Evelyn He also leaves behind many friends at Creekside Villa Apartments in Buda.
Graveside services at Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas are pending. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the Onion Creek Seniors Center in Buda or to Kyle Seniors Center.
