Edward "Eddie" Flores

Edward Flores, known affectionately as Eddie, "Fast Eddie" to some, Private Smiley, The Mailman, Dad, Daddy, Grandpa, Uncle, and brother lived his life to the fullest, quick to share stories of his experiences and indulge us with his jokes. His comedic side was like no other and was infamous for all his "dad jokes".
Born on November 5, 1944, to parents Eduardo Flores and Angelita Huron here in San Antonio, TX. Eddie's early childhood with his parents was short-lived because his biological father passed away when he was just a baby. Years later, Angelita, his mom, married George Hernandez. Within a couple of years, Eddie became a big brother; a new role he really enjoyed and cherished throughout his life.
Eddie's life was a testament to the power of faith, love, and commitment. He met his life partner and spouse, Mary Helen Buentello, at Brady Gardens Church of Christ when they were just 17 years old. He courted her for about a year before officially becoming boyfriend and girlfriend. After a year of dating, at the age of 19, he proposed to mom. Once she said yes, he nonchalantly mentioned he enlisted in the Marine Corp and she'd have to wait four years to get married. So off he went to bootcamp in Camp Pendleton, San Diego where he connected with extended family and made some great friends. Dad's military journey quickly had him right in the middle of the Vietnam War. During his time there he was injured after driving over a landmine which earned him a Purple Heart. After his year tour in Vietnam, Dad's military journey took him to North Carolina, Panama, and then New Hampshire. By July 1968, he had fulfilled his military commitment and headed back home. Within 2 weeks of being home, he and Mary Helen were finally able to get married. After marriage, Eddie assumed he'd go back to school but as a 23 year old he quickly realized he wasn't quite studious. He began to apply for civil service jobs. Landing a job took longer than expected but after about a year he had 2 offers and decided to become a mailman. Now that he had a job, starting a family was on the horizon. A short year later Eddie Jr was born and within five years, Bobby and Angel came along. Balancing work and family life wasn't easy and he realized the need to restore his faith. As a family, they attended Lackland Terrace Church of Christ. Once the kids were a bit older, mom and dad began serving within the church. Years later when the kids were teenagers, they realized the need for more youth programs and transitioned to Oak Hill Church of Christ. At this point, the entire family engaged in their faith and service. Mom and dad continued their service; teaching in Bibleland, mom taught the toddler and dad was the puppet master for the early childhood classes. Dad's faith and service only grew from this point forward. As his kids grew up and married, his faith and service increased and he began to help in short term missions. His excitement to share his faith became stronger when he became a grandfather. Having his grandchildren experience his storytelling through his puppet shows was such a blessing to him.
After 40 years of service he retired from the post office and began retirement life. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends and was often the life of the party. Dad was quick to hit the stage to karaoke or dance. He also enjoyed going to the senior center to "work out" and play poker but never missed out on family Friday game nights. Friday game nights brought us together for many laughs, stories, and memories, unfortunately, those came to an abrupt halt in 2020. In 2021, Dad was diagnosed with cancer and his fight with this gut wrenching disease began. Though his health declined, his faith and love for family never waivered. He continued to worship at home, shared advice and jokes whenever we were together. Sadly, on December 11th 2023, after a long two year battle with cancer, dad's earthly journey ended and his heavenly journey with the Lord began.
Eddie is survived by his loving wife of 55 years Mary Helen Flores, son Edward Jr. and wife Eva, son Robert and wife Cyndi, grandkids Gavin, and Royce, daughter Angelica and husband Michael Ralph, and granddaughters Michaela and Amber. His supportive siblings, brother George Hernandez, wife Guadalupe, sister Margaret Woidtke, husband Rick, sister Teresa Castro, brother John Hernandez, wife Christine, brother Enrico Hernandez, wife Beatrice, brother Joe Hernandez, wife Vulmar, many nieces, nephews, and friends.