Joel A. Flores

Joel Angel Flores was born August 25, 1978, in Prosser, WA.  He passed away unexpectedly on June 11th, 2024.  He was 45 years old.

Joel is survived by his parents Rudy Flores (and Adelita Flores), Mary Rodriguez (and Sergio Rodriguez), brothers Micheal Castro (and Jackie Castro), Raymond Flores (and Garin North), Adrian Meraz (and Nancy Hernandes), Martin Meraz (and Yesenia Hernandes), Abel Meraz (and Ofelia Meraz), mother of his children Laura Flores, his daughter Sophia Lauren Flores, son Gabriel Angel Flores and also many loyal friends and extended family members. 

Joel graduated from Grandview High School in 1997 where he then moved to Seattle to continue his education.  He attended Shoreline Community College and received his certificate of completion at Business and Community Technical Institute.  Joel worked in various jobs from Microsoft, to retail, to entrepreneurial endeavors, to HVAC. 

He loved sports and was highly active.  He joined many leagues including volleyball, soccer, softball, and basketball.  One of his proudest moments was winning a three-on-three basketball championship with his dad as his teammate.  When it came to anything competitive, he was often known for his fun-loving spirit and playful taunting. 

One of his favorite past times was camping at his family’s property in Long Beach, Washington.  Joel was a fun and light-hearted soul who loved sports, music, backyard volleyball, dancing, snowboarding, and spending time on the water.  He volunteered as a coach for his children’s sports teams and committed his spare time to daily practices and out of state tournaments.  He was an adventurous risk-taker and didn’t shy away from new experiences. Above all, as an older brother, son, father, and friend, being around the people he cared about was the most important thing to him. 

Joel had a unique ability to make friends with anyone. Those who knew him knew that they could count on him to lend a hand. No one who met Joel could forget his infectious, joyous, and welcoming personality. 

In his final years, like many of us, Joel faced the challenges of life and tried his best to navigate through obstacles that came with it. He has found peace in his final resting place and will be deeply missed by friends, family, and all who knew him.

Viewing and Visitation will be held Monday, June 17, 2024  from 4:00pm to 8:00 pm with recitation of Holy Rosary at 6:00pm at the Smith Funeral Home Chapel in Grandview, WA. Funeral Liturgy will be Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at 10:00 am at the Smith Funeral Home Chapel in Grandview, WA with burial to follow at the Grandview Cemetery.  Those wishing to sign Joel’s online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com Smith Funeral Home Grandview is in care of arrangements.

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