David Joseph Flores

David J. “Spru” Flores passed away on January 4, 2022 at his home in Santa Rosa, surrounded by family, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born September 17, 1952 in Santa Rosa, the sixth child of Benny and Florentina (Padilla) Flores. David was raised, and attended schools in Puerto de Luna and Santa Rosa, graduating from Santa Rosa High School in May 1970. David was a Vietnam veteran. Upon graduation he enlisted and honorably served his country in the U.S. Army from June 11, 1970 to June 15, 1973. He was an aviation specialist, serving at Fort Ord, California, Fort Eustice, Virginia, South Vietnam, and Fort Hood, Texas. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Sharpshooter (Rifle) Badge. David married Victoria Gabaldon from Los Lunas on November 25th, 1987. He was a devoted husband and a loving father to their two children, Santiago (Kimbra) and Tina. They took great care of him during his illness and were at his side in his final hours. After many years of working as a carpenter and cabinet maker, David closed his carpentry business to attend The University of New Mexico. Upon receiving his teaching degree, specializing in math and science, he was excited to return to his native Santa Rosa to teach at the high school. Although he loved teaching, he subsequently found greater fulfillment in assisting his fellow veterans by serving as Director of the Guadalupe County Veterans Center in Santa Rosa. He had a passion for honoring the veterans of Guadalupe County. During his medical absence, he greatly missed his frequent visitors at the center. David was a great storyteller who entertained many while reminiscing about his elementary school days in Puerto de Luna (PDL), Saint Rose Middle School, and Santa Rosa High School. Best of all were his stories of growing up in PDL, the delicious school lunches, and helping on the family farm and ranch. David was preceded in death by his parents Benny and Florentina Flores, paternal grandparents Cipriano and Paublita (Montoya) Flores, maternal grandparents Adecacio Juan “AJ” and Leticia (Grzelachowski) Padilla, his father-in-law Macario Gabaldon, sister-in-law Kathleen Sanchez and Tracy Flores (Billy's Spouse). In addition to Victoria, Santiago, and Tina, David is survived by his siblings Dan (Lupita) Flores from Santa Rosa, NM, Bernadette Flores from Albuquerque, NM, Nick (Lissie) Flores from Plano, TX, Herman (Maxine) Flores from Frisco, TX, Bill Flores from Albuquerque, NM, Consuelo Flores from Albuquerque, NM, John (Rosemary) Flores from Albuquerque, NM, Rick (Caroline) Flores from Santa Rosa, NM, Susanna (Cele) Rodriguez from Tucson, AZ, Tommy (Marilyn) Flores from Ewa Beach, HI, Monica (Tom) Lopez from Albuquerque, NM, and Renee (Patrick) Marquez from Albuquerque, NM, mother-in-law Pabla Gabaldon and grandchildren Gabriel, Olivia, and Isaiah. David will also be dearly missed by his numerous nieces and nephews, and his dog and faithful companion “Stormy”. Visitation will be Sunday, January 9, 2022 from 1-6pm at Chavez Funeral Home in Santa Rosa, NM. Recitation of the Most Holy Rosary and Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, January 10, 2022 beginning at 10am at Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Santa Rosa. Interment, with full Military Honors, will follow at Nuestra Señora Del Refugio Cemetery in Puerto De Luna with Dennis "Mac" Gallegos, Albert Campos, cousin Danny Flores, nephew Joshua Flores, brother-in-law Tom Lopez, his brothers Johnny Flores, Ricky Flores and Tommy Flores serving as pallbearers. All services are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 923 S. Third St., Santa Rosa, NM 88435. 575-472-3369. To place an online condolence or tribute, please visit www.chavezfuneralhome.com.