Arturo Guzman Flores

He graduated from Martin High School in Laredo, Texas, in 1947 and enlisted in the U.S. Army National Guard at the age of 17, proudly serving for 15 years. After high school, and concurrent with his National Guard service, he worked at Laredo National Bank for 10 years before marrying Estella Valenzuela Flores and moving to Houston. There, he began a 40-year career as a home appliance repair technician with the Sears, Roebuck and Company.

Arturo and Estella raised two sons. Hector, a graduate of the University of Houston, traveled extensively and worked as an electrical engineer. David, who began his career as a musician and original member of the five-time Grammy Award–winning group La Mafia, later earned his Doctorate in Social Work, also from the University of Houston.

Arturo was deeply involved in his church and devoted to his Catholic faith, serving as a member of the Knights of Columbus since his days in Laredo. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed cheering for the Houston Oilers on Sunday afternoons. However, he was happiest when surrounded by family—his children and especially his four grandchildren. Arturo was a kind, gentle, patient, and intelligent man, often possessing more wisdom than the most learned of scholars. He gave selflessly of himself, never asking for anything in return.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Estella V. Flores; his son, Hector T. Flores; his parents, Amado and Lorenza Flores; and his sister, Lucia Flores.

He is survived by his son David V. Flores and daughter-in-law Sara K. Flores; his grandchildren Christopher D. Flores, Alexander I. Flores, Liliana E. Flores, and Gabriel S. Flores; his sisters Bertha Champion, Elsa S. Flores, and Linda Antoon; and his nieces and nephews Frank Champion, Mario Champion, Marcus Champion, Raquel Maria Reed, Victoria Champion, Jessica Antoon, Brian Antoon, and Diana Antoon.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Anna Ngo and the wonderful staff at St. Dominic’s Senior Care Community for their exceptional care, compassion, and the joyful experiences they provided Arturo during his final year of life.

Family and friends are invited to attend Arturo’s memorial service at Forest Park Funeral Home Lawndale, 6900 Lawndale St., Houston, TX 77023, on Thursday at 2:00 p.m. Visitation with the family will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by interment at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery (same location).