Domingo R. Flores

Domingo Flores, or Tata as our family called him, was set to turn 100 years old on November 7, 2018. Instead, on October 3, 2018, he took his final breath. At home. In peace.

In history books, we read of men and women who “built” this country. Captains of industry. Titans of politics. In reality, it was men like Tata who – literally – built this country.

Domingo was born in the El Paso area of Texas in 1918. Like many young people at the beginning of the Great Depression, he left school at age 12 to find work. Even though he was a US citizen he lived the life of a migrant worker. From town to town, train stop to train stop he traveled, in search of a day’s pay. Fields, farms, mines, odd jobs. The money he earned was more than income and survival; it was pride, dignity and freedom.

In 1940, he began working on a farm in Glendale, Arizona. It was there he met Margarita Monroy, Nana, who became the love of his life. On December 30, 1940, they began what would become a 66-year marriage until Margarita’s passing in
2006.

From the mid 1940s to the early 1980s, Tata worked at the Phelps Dodge Copper Mine in Morenci, Arizona. There, he built a life and a family. In a small three-bedroom home on Gila Street, Tata and Nana raised their four children: Francisco, Carmen, Celia, and Victor. It was an era in which hard work and dedication meant your kids had a genuine shot at the better life Tata dreamed of for the Flores children.

Each of their children went on to attain that better life, marrying, and raising children of their own. In all, Tata saw his family expand to include 12 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and many great-great grandchildren.

Tata spent his retirement on his small, modest ranch in Willcox, Arizona. He gardened and maintained his land up until a few weeks ago when his body could no longer keep up with his determination.

Our family has been planning a 100th birthday party to honor Tata on November 10th. The party is still on. Only now, it will be a celebration of a life well lived.

Domingo and Margarita are now reunited in the Garden of the Lord, along with their daughter Celia. The Flores family that remains on this side of Heaven honors and gives thanks for the legacy of hard work, family, and faith that Domingo leaves behind. It is one that sustains us as we add to this continuing legacy for our own families.

Domingo R. Flores, 99, of Willcox, Arizona, is preceded in death by his wife, Margarita Monroy; daughter, Celia Sierra; son-in-law, Ernest; brothers, Jose, Emilio, Antonio; sisters, Enriqueta Huizar, Luz Esparza and Josefina; parents, Emilio and Carmen Flores. He is survived by his sons, Francisco Monroy Flores (Aurelia) and Victor Flores (Kelly); daughter, Carmen Quijada; 35 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. Services will begin on Saturday, October 13, 2018 with a visitation at Martinez Funeral Chapels in Tucson, Arizona, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Rosary prayer from 1:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. with a Graveside service to follow at 2:00 p.m. at Holy Hope Cemetery. Celebration of Life Reception to follow after the Burial interment at Martinez Funeral Chapels in the Salon La Paloma Family Event Hall.