Raul Flores

RAUL FLORES Teacher, Soldier, Athlete One day after being drafted by the Cincinnati Reds baseball team, Raul Flores was drafted again - by the Army. The World War II paratrooper was injured in the Battle of the Bulge and later became a Fremont teacher. Mr. Flores died Wednesday, October 22, 2003. He was 80. Born August 5, 1923 in San Manuel, TX, Mr. Flores was a Fremont resident for 36 years. Nicknamed Paul, Mr. Flores graduated from La Joya High School at the top of his class, according to family members. After being drafted by the Army, he suffered severe injury to his right arm, effectively ending his baseball dreams. He received a Purple Heart, two Bronze Stars and a good Conduct Medal for his services. Mr. Flores received his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from A&I University in Kingsville, TX. In Fremont, he was a teacher at Centerville Junior High School. Mr. Flores also enjoyed sports, gardening and walking around Lake Elizabeth. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the California Teachers Association. He is survived by his wife, Estela Flores, daughters, Patricia E. Flores of Fremont, Sylvia J. Flores of San Rafael and Judith F. Flores of Emeryville; sons, Ronald E. Flores of Livermore, Rollie D. Flores of Fairfield and Tom R. Flores of Daly City, sister, Alda Flores-Greer of Athens, TX, brothers, Lisandro Flores of Mexico, Ramiro Flores of San Antonio, TX and Jose L. Flores of Carson City, NV and nine grandchildren. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 7 p.m. Monday at Berge-Pappas-Smith Chapel of the Angels, 40842 Fremont Blvd. Burial will be at Irvington Memorial Cemetery, 41001 Chapel Way. A celebration of his life will also be held at 2 p.m., November 1st at the Tri-City Church of Religious Science, 40155 Blacow Rd. Contributions to the church are preferred. For further information, call: Berge-Pappas-Smith Chapel of the Angels 510-656-1226 FD668