ruben - flores Obituary (1941 - 2017) - Porterville, California

Ruben Flores was born on April 25, 1941 in Raymondville, Texas, to Rufino and Margarita Flores. He is survived by one brother, Richard and three sisters, Elvira, Esther and Estella. He is preceded in death by his mother, his father, his brothers Rufino Jr., Rogelio, Reynaldo, and Roberto. Ruben entered into eternal rest on February 1, 2017. Ruben was a beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle grandfather, great-grandfather, and a friend to many. Ruben was raised in San Benito, Texas. Coming from humble beginnings, Ruben's first job was a "shoe shine boy" in the streets of San Benito. Ruben loved western movies and with his "shoe shine money", he would often go to watch movies at the local theatre. In 1959, he came to California to help his grandparents in Porterville. Dad could not believe he could make $1.00 an hour because in those days, he was only making $.25 an hour in Texas. At the age of 25, he met his beloved wife, Mary Perez. Together they had four children, three sons, Reynaldo (Irene), Tony (Janette), Valente, and one daughter, Erika Belen (Rodrigo). He is survived by his loving grandchildren, Kristina, Olivia, Erika, Victoria, Ariana, Analicia, Analaura, Vivianna, Daniel, Naveah, Erik, Samuel, Isabelle, and one great-granddaughter Eliana. Ruben was a man of many talents. He was a band member of Los Orientales and he later became the band leader for Los Magnificos, Los Moondelles and Los Santos. He recorded his own records under the label "Discos Flores." He was an avid card player, entrepreneur,and a community outreach worker for the war against poverty. He also assisted with the first Latino credit union in Porterville, El Futuro Credit Union. He would go on to run his tax consulting business , Flores Enterprises, in Porterville for over 40 years passing the business along to his apprentice and son. Later in life, he became involved with his church, Iglesia Del Nazareno. His love of music and the Lord was demonstrated as he also published an album collection of Spanish Christian songs which he composed. He always gave glory to God and to the Holy Spirit for his talents. Ruben was a giving man who helped countless people in many ways and was often sought out for wisdom and advice which he freely gave. Ruben was servant of God who told people about Jesus and his own testimony to anyone he met. Despite his ailments in later life, Ruben managed to still show others that God existed and the importance of salvation. Ruben is now rejoicing with our Lord in his new and improved body and will be dearly missed by his loved ones whom will be waiting to see him again.