Gilbert Losoya Flores, a WWII Veteran, gained entrance to the Kingdom of Heaven Monday March 1, 2021, just 24 days shy of his 100th birthday. Gilbert was born to Nicholas and Francisca Flores on March 25, 1921. He enlisted the Army August 19, 1943 to serve his country as Radio Operator during the War. His achievements and awards Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with 1 Bronze Star,& Bronze Indian Arrowhead, Philippine Liberation Medal with 2 Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Medal, Victory Ribbon, 1 Service Stripe, 4 Overseas Service Bars and Sharp Shooter Rifle. He was honorably discharged September 2, 1945. Upon his return from the war, Dad studied and became a Master Barber.
He met Helena Robles and they married in July 1948. With 2 children and another one on the way Dad returned back to school with peers much younger than himself to earn his high school diploma and graduated in May 1952 at the age of 31.
He semi-retired from barbering and worked for Ethicon for over 20 years, he then once again returned to being a barber and during those years Grandpa was the one to give each of his grandsons’ their first haircuts. He did his last haircut for one of his best friends, Mr. Ruben Talamantes, after that he put away his sheers but always kept his license current, just in case he decided to go back to work.
Our dad was an amazing man in every sense of the word. He was always there to lend a helping hand; be it helping in building a fence or planting a tree or two for his children. He was a do it yourself kind of man, made sure to kick the tires to any car he or anyone in the family purchased, and took it out for a spin. He built our family home where he and our mom lived and raised six children and to this day their grandkids have many great and fond memories of their grandpa and listening him speak about his life experiences during the war and life in general. To listen to him speak about his time on the ship headed away from Hawaii to the Philippines you could almost feel the ocean mist just by his vivid recollection. He also always had projects to work on, he changed his own tires and recently remodeled a room at the house.
Anytime a visitor would come by he’d be sure to offer them a shot of Whiskey and his famous words “Ah…smooth”.
In May of 2018 he took part in Freedom Flight with his son Michael, they traveled to Washington D.C, where they honored the WWII Veteran’s such as our Dad. He, along with another Veteran, were selected to place the wreath at the WWII monument. Our Dad stood at attention for 45 minutes in the rain, at the age of 97. He was so proud to have been able to take part in this event, especially with his son being a Desert Storm Veteran.
Gilbert was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Helena Flores, son David Flores, brothers Tony Flores and Arthur Flores, his sister Virginia Silos, daughter in law Virginia Flores, son in law Felipe Surita, Jr., sister Aurora Flores, brother Nicholas Flores, sister Nicholasa Flores.
He is survived by his daughters Julia Seale and husband James of Somersworth, NH, and Gloria Kudo and husband Sam, Grace Gomez and husband Augustine all from San Angelo, daughter Patricia Surita of Helotes, TX and son Michael Flores and wife Annette of San Angelo, TX. He is also survived by 26 grandchildren, 40 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren spanning from Arizona, California, Washington State, Michigan, Wisconsin, New Hampshire and Texas.
He is also survived by his sisters, Mary Guerrero of Odessa, TX, Juanita Gutierrez of Houston, TX and Josie Bernaldez and husband Edward of El Paso, TX. He is also survived by his Sister in Law Anita Mendez, Brother in Law Daniel Robles and wife Emma all of Bakersfield, CA and Brother in Law Gilbert Robles and wife Josie of Kempner, TX and a host of God children, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Pall Bearers will be his grandsons: Albert Arroyo, Jr, Omar Flores, Gabriel Diggs, Christopher Sanchez, Thomas Barrera, Michael Barrera, Jeremy Flores, and Maximiliao Arroyo. Honorary Pall Bearers will be grandsons Michael Seale, David Flores, Jr, David Diggs and Elizandro Gonzales.
Public Viewing will be Thursday March 11, 2021 from 5 P.M. to 7 P.M., Rosary will begin at 7 P.M. with Deacon Able Fernandez reciting. Funeral Mass will be held Friday March 12, 2021 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church at 10 A.M. with Father Joey Fayola officiating, interment will be held at Calvary Cemetery with Military Honors.
Gloria, you were Dad’s right hand person, always there to help him on any project he decided to work on, be it a tree trimmer, carpenter and remodeling at the drop of a hat. You made sure he had what he wanted, he was so proud of the work you both did. Thank you for always being there for him, Sam thank you for being such a supportive and understanding husband when she was taking care of him, the whole family truly appreciates you both.
John 10:27-29: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.”
