Guadalupe Flores, Jr.

Guadalupe “Lupe” Flores Jr., 93, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2017 surrounded by his loving family. He was born on May 18, 1924 in Joyce, Texas to Guadalupe, Sr. and Ambrosa (Rodriguez) Flores. Lupe proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a highly decorated paratrooper and flew with the 101st Airborne Division in France, Belgium, Germany and Austria. He was a lifetime member of the 101st Airborne Division Association, American Legion, the Elks and the Eagles and the Disabled Veterans. Lupe was the first Hispanic to be endorsed for public office. He worked as a commissioner of Spanish speaking affairs for the State of Ohio (1980-84) while barbering full time. Lupe was a business entrepreneur. He owned Flores Barbershop, retiring in 2008 after 47 years. He and his wife Maria owned Jolynne’s Beautyshop. Lupe operated an auto detail shop in downtown Toledo. In 1968 he bought the Swiss Village restaurant, later naming it the Flores Family Restaurant. He and Maria were founding members of many civic organizations to support the South Toledo and Hispanic community. In July of 2012, he had a street dedication in his honor at the intersection of Arlington and South Detroit, called the “Guadalupe Flores Crossing.” Lupe’s grandchildren were his life. He and Maria loved spending time, going to all of their church, school and sporting events. He leaves behind a dedicated and loving family legacy. Surviving are his children Richard (Jodie), George, Mario (Priscilla) Flores, and Anna (Steve) Kowalik, many grand and great grandchildren, and his brother Jose R. Flores. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Maria, son Oscar A., grandsons Michael A. and Christopher P. Flores, sister Eva Lozano and brother Robert Flores. Friends may visit at the Coyle Funeral Home, 1770 S. Reynolds Rd. on Thursday, June 1 from 2-8 p.m. with a Rosary service at 7. The funeral will begin at Coyle on Friday, June 1 at 9:30 a.m. followed by mass at 10:00 at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church. Entombment will be at Ottawa Hills Memorial Park. Memorial donations may be given to Hospice of NW Ohio or the National Parkinson’s Foundation. Please view Lupe’s Memorial Video Tribute and leave a condolence message for the family at CoyleFuneralHome.com.

Tributes

Guadalupe Flores, Jr.

May 18, 1924 - May 29, 2017