Eli Rivera, a name that I know very well, a name that brings a light to my heart  In two of the worst moments of my mother's life he was there as a protector and a source of strength.  I will always remember him for the kindness he showed to my cherished mother,  Maria Rosalinda Flores LeRoy., (Linda) is the cousin of Lilia. The following two stories were told to me by my mother, when Eli entered the story it was always with admiration in my mother's voice. The first happened before I was born, when at the age of 50 my grandfather Jose Flores, Sr. suffered a heart attack, he was holding onto life when my mother who was away at nursing school in Galveston was notified.  My mother was picked up by a police officer and brought to the hospital in Houston with red lights and sirens on, without which she would not have been able to see her father before he passed away. The transportation to the hospital from Galveston and the assistance from the officer escort were due to the direction of Eli.  The second story has to do with the compassion and assistance  Eli showed to my mother after she was brutally attacked by a stranger and left for dead. The details of that story are better left untold but what should be told is the care and concern from Eli towards not only my mother but towards my father and her brothers.  My family will always owe a debt of gratitude to the Rivera family and we pray for his remembrance and know that his soul is at the table of God, along with my parents. God Bless the Rivera family and all of their descendants.

To the Rivera family,
I was saddened to hear of your loss-Mrs Maddux told me of your dad.  The Place family always thought so highly of him. When Stebo died your dad was so helpful to my parents! Such great neighbors and a sweet place to grow up!! 
There was lots of happiness on Spring Pines Drive!!
Just know you are prayed for,
Bubba “Place” Stanton

My sincerest condolences to the Rivera family. I have many happy memories of Poppy, highlighted by his humorous law enforcement stories. I am blessed to have known him. Much love to the family.

collaborated with the FBI and other government officials in the US and abroad while in the pursuit of criminals.

Yes, he lived the American Dream.  My father’s life became better, richer, fuller when opportunities came his way.  He strove to achieve.  He did not do this alone.  Lilia, my mother, was there to support and encourage him.  His talents were not wasted.  They were directed towards the good.  He was a good officer and corporate investigator. But more importantly, he was a good husband, father, friend, and person.  He made us smile, laugh, dance, and listen.

Today, I pray he is in God’s comforting hands.  He’s with Kathy (my sister), Lalo, Ma Maria, Tio Jacob, Tia Bell, Eddie, Denis, Ray and other family and friends that have passed away.  While in his periods of confusion, Dad called out to them and to many of us for assistance.  Thank you for answering his call.

Eulogy for Eli P. Rivera, given by Valerie Rivera Brau

The American Dream, it is the dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for every man, with opportunity for each according to his ability or achievement. My father, Eli P Rivera, lived that dream. He was born in the Magnolia Park area of Houston, Texas which is now called the Barrio.  It was the time of the Great Depression when he was born to Hilario and Maria Rivera on June 12, 1932.  Times were rough but they persevered.    Though Lalo (his father), died young leaving a wife and 4 children, my grandmother, Ma Maria worked hard to bring up her children.  In 1951 he joined the Navy.  He served 5 years.  On April 5, 1953, Dad married my mother, his high school sweetheart, Lilia Cantu.  They had 4 children, Kathleen, Valerie, Lilia Ann, and Eli.  Last April, they celebrated 70 years of marriage.  
After the Navy, in 1957, he began career number one in law enforcement.   He spent 21 years at the Houston Police Department serving in the Radio Patrol Division where in 1964 he was awarded Officer of the Year by the Citizens of Houston. Then he was a detective in the Criminal Investigation Division, a Lieutenant in the Narcotics Division, and a Commander in the Criminal Intelligence Division. He was the first Mexican American to hold a division Commander position in the history of the HPD. During that time, he also, provided security for US presidents while they were in Houston and provided security during inaugurations in Washington, DC.  He, also, guarded Cuban president Castro when Castro was in Houston.  
In 1978, Dad began his second career, this time as an investigator in the Corporate Security Department at Tenneco, Inc.  During his 21 years of service, he conducted investigations in the United States, Europe, and South America.  Those cases involved fraud, embezzlement, kidnapping, forgery, industrial espionage, bribery, narcotics, and more.  (Kinda’ sounds like James Bond.)  He co

OBITUARY

Eli Postel Rivera

June 12, 1932 – November 23, 2023

Forest Park The Woodlands Funeral Home & Cemetery

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Eli Postel Rivera

GARDEN OF TRINITY LAWNCRYPTS 6B