Robert Rodriquez Quiroz Flores Jr.

Robert was born in Houston, Texas on July 15, 1963 to Robert, Sr. and Marie Flores. He was the youngest child and only boy. His two sisters, Linda Maldonado of Houston and Debra Flores Wade of Austin, Texas welcomed “bubba” as he was called then. Rob’s mother passed away from cancer in 1986 and his father is with us at age 90.

Robert attended Blessed Sacrament Catholic School through 7th grade, followed by the 8th grade at Our Lady of Guadalupe. He then completed High School at St. Thomas Catholic High School in 1981, where he started gathering lifelong friends. He went on to earn 70 college credits at Steven F. Austin University in Nacogdoches, East Texas and at the University of Houston earning an associate’s degree. Although Rob did not continue his formal college education, Rob was a lifelong learner with a thirst for knowledge.

Other than his brief time in Nacogdoches, Rob lived in or very near Houston’s East End community where he was raised. It was there he began his life-long involvement with baseball when his father coached him as a young child with the East End Little League. Rob’s love for baseball never faded and his involvement with Little League spanned 40+ years. He coached his nephew, Michael, who is more of a brother to Rob, and together they coached his great niece and nephews. Rob and Michael had the distinct honor of taking a team from the East End Little League to Williamsport, PA - the home of Little League International. This was a highlight in Rob’s life. After many, many years of coaching and managing teams Rob was honored by being appointed as a member of the District 15 Little League Board; served as Assistant District Administrator for 5 years; and, was appointed as District Administrator. Additionally, he also played baseball at St. Thomas High School and became an umpire, officiating for several years. Throughout it all, Rob was known for his knowledge, pleasant demeanor, ability to find solutions and to communicate effectively.

Anyone who ever met Rob was greeted by his big smile and warm eyes. He was a true “gentle giant” and even tempered nice guy. Rob was a funny, generous, compassionate, loving man who never met a stranger. He had a way of making people feel important, heard and valued. His death has affected more people than he could ever have imagined, and left all with a positive memory of a wonderful man.

Rob’s family and friends were very important to him. It was through the county, he worked in the Harris County Clerk’s office in his younger years and subsequently at the Probation Department where Rob made many of his friends. Rob dedicated 35 years to Harris County as a faithful, steadfast employee who exemplified integrity. He word was his bond and honesty his moral code. Rob retired as a computer programmer from the Harris County Juvenile Probation Department in the fall of 2018.

Rob was extremely family oriented. It was his greatest desire and accomplishment in life to be a father. The 24 year marriage to Lola, his high school sweetheart did not create the opportunity for them to become a parents. Sadly, Lola the first love of his life passed away suddenly at the age of 42. Rob found love again with Luann and shared the last 13 years of his life as her partner. Rob’s dream to become a parent came true in the spring of 2015 when he and Luann were matched for adoption to the most amazing child who bears their likeness, love and humor. Michael’s adoption was finalized and the three of them committed to one another again at Rob and Luann’s wedding in 2017 in the presence of many family and friends.

Rob’s love of baseball included the Houston Astros. He joyously attended the 2017 World Series home games which resulted in a championship. He and Luann attended the past 13 season home openers. They even went to Minute Maid Stadium opening day 2020 during COVID just to be present on the grounds and celebrate. The Sunday before he passed away, Rob, his father, son and wife attended the Astros game and celebrated another victory.

Music was also a passion with Rob. He always had music playing, or could be found humming or singing. He had a definite soundtrack to his life. Among his favorites groups were The Beatles, The Red Hot Chili Peppers and Pink Floyd, though his repertoire was unlimited. Rob’s favorite songs were “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley and “Imagine” by John Lennon. During Rob’s final night on earth his wife was singing Three Little Birds in the emergency room at which time the chaplain and entire medical team treating him peacefully joined in the signing. A truly beautiful memory. When Rob was moved to Cardiac ICU for his final hours, The Beatles played softly in the background comforting him for his final journey.

Rob adored travelling and had many amazing journeys: travelling to Australia to visit beautiful friends; snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef; trekking Uluru and the Olgas; travelling the Great Ocean Road; and, celebrating New Year’s Eve at Sydney Harbor. He celebrated Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany with Luann’s brothers and nephew in 2012 creating memories and stories that would be revisited for years. Rob also celebrated his 50th birthday with a month long trip to London and Paris, where great escapades were had and memories made. Rob also travelled throughout the United States on many childhood trips to California, Florida and later to Colorado, Montana, Arizona as well as a return trip to Florida for the Astros Spring Training. Trips and cruises to Mexico and the Bahamas were not uncommon, with the ultimate Bahamian Island hopping sailing adventure on a private catamaran with his wife and two treasured friends being experienced just weeks before his passing. It was the happiest and most peaceful he had been after a tough year of isolation due to the pandemic.

Rob’s life was well lived. He loved and was loved by many. He leaves behind countless relatives, friends, and colleagues.