Roberto J. Flores

Col. Roberto J. Flores, USA Ret passed away on Sunday, April 21, 2002 in San Antonio, Texas of an apparent heart attack. Roberto, or "Beto" as he was called by family and friends, graduated from Martin High School in 1949. As a student, he was an outstanding athlete in basketball and baseball. His leadership qualities were many: he was a member of the ROTC, president of the freshman, sophomore, and junior classes, and captain of the basketball team during his junior and senior years. His teachers and peers praised him highly. He attended St. Mary's University in San Antonio on a basketball scholarship where he earned a bachelor's degree in history and Spanish. Later, he attended Texas A&I in Kingsville and received his master's degree in educational administration and history. From 1954 to 1956, he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Army and was stationed in Germany. He returned to Laredo and became a member of the Army Reserve. He began teaching as an ROTC instructor and in 1974, he became principal of Martin High School. His list of accomplishments is exemplary of the key role he played in shaping the lives of so many people. As ROTC instructor, he led the school to win many awards in state and national competitions. He served as parade marshall for the WBCA parade and on the board as president and chairperson. He was actively involved in LULAC Council No. 12, Evening Lions, Kiwanis, American Legion Post 59, Boys Senior Baseball League and Teachers Credit Union. He has been recognized by many organizations for his services to the community including United Way, WBCA, Women's City Club, Boys and Girls Club of Laredo, High Hope Volunteers, Laredo Chamber of Commerce, and the Texas Good Neighbor Commission.He retired as principal of Martin High School in 1994 after having served for 20-years. He was preceded in death by his wife Adelfa "Fita" Flores who passed away on January 30, 2000. He was also preceded in death by his father, Brigido H. Flores, his mother, Consuelo M. Flores, and a brother Brigido H. Flores, Jr. He is survived by his brother Rafael H. Flores of McAllen and his sister, Consuelo Flores Lopez of Laredo. Also surviving him are numerous nieces and nephews and cousins.