Juan was born in Montemorelos, Nuevo Leon, Mexico on January 19, 1943 and moved to Lamont in 1960 with his family. He attended Arvin High School and Bakersfield College In 1965 he was drafted by the army where he served his country honorably. Juan was a Veteran of the Vietnam War and his bravery during the war earned him several medals which include the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, 2 OS Bars, Expert M-14, Bronze Star with Valor and his Purple Heart. While in Vietnam he was a Tank Commander and was promoted to SSP E6. On April 22, 1967 Juan married his wife of 47 years, Carman Castro Flores. She has been a devoted, loyal and caring wife who loved Juan unconditionally. They moved to Arvin in 1971 and raised his family: Elisa, Roberto, and Javier Flores. Building many memories over the years. Carmen has been Juan's rock and as he always said, "He picked a good woman". As a dad he was a very stern man, who instilled good values and great work ethics. He showed us how to be strong individuals. He loved all his children but Roberto was his special child. Born mentally challenged Pops always took great care of him. Including giving him big birthday bashes every year which included live bands, Dj's or mariachis that left us with many great memories. Juan was also the eldest of thirteen siblings which he cared for and loved very much. Each one held a special place in his heart. Juan began working as a field worker and then transferred to the Arvin Community Water District and worked there for 10 years. He then found work in the Plumbers and Steamfitters local 460 where he worked for 23 years until he retired. For those who knew Juan, Knew him as a great friend. And as a friend everyone has their own personal story on how he connected with them. He was a very caring, loving, and giving individual. But lets not forget he was also stubborn and opinionated. Yet all along he built many great relationships, had many close friends and was the life of the party. He was known to through parties often, and when asked for what occasion he responded with "Because we are still kicking." We will miss his sense of humor, laughter and his smile. He is survived by his wife Carmen Flores; Children; Elisa Baca and husband Chad Baca, Roberto Flores, Javier Flores and wife Cruz Flores. Grandchildren: Christina Ochoa, Johnathan Baca, JJ, Kiki, and EJ Flores. Brothers: Ernesto, Ricardo, Reynaldo, Ramiro and Rodrigo. Sisters: Juana Miranda, Elena Alvarez, Elisa Flores and Rosie Flores. Brother- in- laws: Francisco Miranda and Antonio Alvarez and many cousins, nieces/ nephews and friends. Juan is preceded in death by his parents, Domingo and Maria Flores, sisters, Elisa Flores and Alicia Flores, nephew Miguel Alvarez and brother, Belisario Flores. Pallbearers will be the Honor Guard members: Larry Romero, Smiley Gonzalez, David Leal, Martin Santillan, Ben Palmer, Mark Carter. We will celebrate his life with the Catholic Rosary at 7pm on Thursday, January 1, 2015 at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Lamont, Ca with a viewing beginning at 5pm. Funeral service will be held at 10am at St. Thomas Catholic Church in the big city of Arvin, January 2, 2015 followed by burial service at the Bakersfield National Cemetery. Immediately after a celebration of life gathering will be held at the Arvin Veteran's Hall.