1 ^st Sergeant Juan J. Flores, US Marine Corps, Retired, made his journey to our heavenly Father on November 24, 2022 at the age of 77.

"Papa", as he was affectionately known by his grandchildren, was born June 24, 1945 in Laredo, Texas to parents Manuel and Casimira Flores. He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps and retired after 24 years of service. While in the Marine Corps he served during the Vietnam War. Upon returning from the Vietnam War, he served as a Drill Instructor for 2 years, training Marines. He received a number of decorations, badges, and ribbons to include the Cross of Gallantry, Rifle Sharpshooter, and Pistol Sharpshooter.

He married the love of his life, Carmen (Mireles) of Laredo, Texas just weeks prior to serving in the Vietnam War.  At that time, he was working as a police officer for the Laredo Police Department. Following their military life, he served in the Department of Corrections in Arizona. He was known for his great sense of humor and ability to make people laugh. He enjoyed watching the Dallas Cowboys and taking naps with his cat, Patches.

Juan/Papa is survived by his wife Carmen of nearly 55 years of marriage; son, Manny Flores, his wife Christine, and granddaughters, Victoria (Nick), Kristin (Aaron), and Elena of Tucson, Arizona; son Mike Flores, his wife Angela, grandson Alexander (Julia) and Aurora of Tucson, Arizona; daughter, Veronica Wycoff, her husband Justin, grandson Nathan, and granddaughter Makayla of San Antonio; sister, Gloria Flores and her family. He is also survived by a great granddaughter, Isabella and a great grandson, Owen.  He is also survived by several brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son Tony Flores; parents, Manuel and Casimira Flores, brother Jose Saucedo, brother Manuel Flores, and sister Guadalupe.

A memorial service to celebrate Juan's life will be held on Friday, December 9, 2022 at Guardian Funeral Home, Chapel A at 11:00 a.m. that morning.

Burial and full military honors will follow in the Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery at 1:00 p.m.

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