Luis Flores Rodriguez

Luis Flores Rodriguez, lovingly known as “Papa Luis”, age 98, of Thousand Palms, was called home by our Lord Jesus Christ on May 6, 2025, to join Him in His eternal paradise.

Luis was born on June 21, 1926, in Atotoniquillo, Jalisco, Mexico, to Elodia Lopez and Jose Flores. From the young age of six, he began working in the agricultural fields to help support his family. His life was forever changed by a tragic milling accident that resulted in the loss of four fingers on his left hand. Yet, with incredible determination and perseverance, Luis often outperformed those with full physical ability. Without the benefit of formal education, he became a self-taught man wise, skilled, and resilient.

Luis’ journey eventually led him to Mexicali, Baja California, where he proudly served in the Mexican military, fulfilling his patriotic duty. He later joined the Baja California State Police, where he enjoyed a distinguished 25-year career in law enforcement. His stories of courage, humility, and fairness live on through his children, especially those that illustrated his unwavering commitment to integrity and respect. He once recounted arresting a high-ranking government official, later fearing disciplinary action only to be publicly recognized by his department for his professionalism and valor. His commanding officer praised him as a role model, an example for others to follow.

Among his proudest moments was once serving on a special operations team as a guard at Hotel Lucerna in Mexicali Mexico during a visit from famed U.S. agent Elliot Ness. But of all his stories, none was more cherished than the one about meeting the love of his life, Luisa Lopez.

Luis met Luisa in 1964 at a local tortilla business where she worked. From the moment they met, he knew she was the one with whom he wanted to spend his life. They were married on March 9, 1966, and together they built a life grounded in love, respect, and partnership. They welcomed six children, and Luis often joked that he had asked the Lord for a dozen, but joyfully received half. He took pride in saving enough to buy Luisa’s wedding dress and make a down payment on their first home in Mexicali. The couple went on to start their own tortilla business, a venture they ran side by side after Luis retired early from law enforcement due to health issues.

In 1979, Luis moved his family to the Coachella Valley in search of better opportunities. He began a new chapter in landscaping, embracing hard work as a means of providing for his family. He continued in this profession until his retirement in 1991 at age 65.

A devout Catholic, Luis leaned on his deep faith to navigate the challenges of life, especially after the passing of his beloved Luisa in 1990 and his mother, Elodia, just six months later. His unwavering belief in God gave him strength, peace, and purpose.

Luis Flores Rodriguez touched countless lives with his humility, strength, and generous spirit. His legacy lives on through his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and the many friends whose lives were made better simply by knowing him.

Luis is preceded in death by his parents Elodia Lopez and Jose Flores; sister Josefina Trejo and wife Luisa Flores Lopez.

Luis is survived by his two sons Miguel Flores and Jose Luis Flores; four daughters, Ramona Contreras, Rosa Maria Avalos, Julieta Cano, and Lorena Garcia; fifteen grandchildren and five great grandchild Miguel Jr. Flores, Maria Luisa Flores, Luis Antonio Contreras, Esteban Contreras, Luisa Contreras, Daniel Avalos, Angel Avalos, Jonathan Garcia, Oscar Garcia, Adam Garcia, Cesar Garcia, Alexa Marie Flores, Alejandro Jose Flores, Emmanuel Cano, Orlando Cano, Amada Luisa Contreras, Ethan Cano, Evan Cano, Nico Cano and Luke Cano; Daughter-In-Law Maria Guadalupe Flores; Son-In-Laws Esteban Contreras Sr., Domingo Avalos, Enrique Cano, and Tito Garcia. He also leaves many extended family members and friends who will sadly miss him.

Visitation Services will be held May 19, 2025, from 12-8pm at Forest Lawn, 69855 E. Ramon Road, Cathedral City, Ca 92234.

Mass Services will be held May 20, 2025, 10am at St. Louis Catholic Church, 68633 C Street, Cathedral City, Ca 92234 with Interment following mass at Desert Memorial Park, 31705, da Vall Dr, Cathedral City, Ca 92234.