On August 16, 1930, at Aurelio and Rosa Flores’ home in Grover Canyon, Claypool, Arizona, Joe Johnson Flores was born as the “gentleman” baby of the family of 17 children. He always told his twin sister Josephine, that even as a baby he was the consummate gentleman for pushing her out first. On March 29, 2018, Joe joined his wife Aurelie (Lillie) when our Lord called him home and let him free of his long illness. His children are certain that his wife greeted him with, “it is about time Joe, I have been waiting for you.”
After his service during the Korean War, Joe visited a restaurant near ASU where he met his lovely French bride. Lillie’s English was just developing, so Joe romanced her in Spanish. Lillie had met her match and they were married a few weeks later. Joe and Lillie had eight children, 14 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. To support his brood of children, Joe labored his entire life under the hot Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico sun as a carpenter. His many hours of physical labor were always followed by hours of reading. He never lost his passion for self-education and the printed word — any printed word. No book, magazine or school textbook was ever finished by one of his kids, before his perusal left a coffee stain in the corner and the smell of his pipe in the binding. A quiet reserved man, he never wasted or minced his words. It was his quick wit coupled with his stoic presence that served as his voice of direction, support and love for his family.
Joe is survived by his children Robin Flores, Christina Flores, John Flores, Aurelie Pierrette Flores (Wayne Wisdom), David Flores (Kristie), Jacques Flores, Daisy Flores (Timothy Trent), and Bernadette Flores, all his grandchildren (Wayne, Joey, Lucas, Alexis, Pablo, Sevi, Riley, Isaac, Isabelle, Aurelie, Lacy, Aubree, Jacob and Daniel), great-grandchildren (Gavin, Aurelie, Malcolm, Abigail, Micah, Aiven, Norah and Benicio), his siblings (Josephine Williams (George), Lupito Flores, and John Richard Flores (Lupe)) and the extended Flores family.
Services were Friday, April 6, 2018, at Holy Angels Catholic Church with viewing at 9 a.m., Rosary at 9:30 a.m. and Mass at 10 a.m. Burial to follow at the Globe Cemetery. The family thanks everyone who join us in a celebration of Joe’s life at the Parish Hall following the burial service.
