Thomas D. Flores

Tom was born in Salem, Oregon on April 15, 1950, to Daniel and Betty Flores and grew up in Keizer. Tom was a super cool guy and described by a cousin as a great friend and protector. He loved the outdoors, small towns, fishing, camping, time with family, 60’s music, classic cars, and lemon desserts. He also enjoyed sharing his favorite breakfast spot with his granddaughter Greysen.

Tom was a proud Army Veteran of the Vietnam War, having served in the military from 1967 to 1972. He earned an Associate’s of Science in Drilling Technology and spent 10 years drilling wells throughout Oregon before joining the Bureau of Land Management. During his career with the BLM, Tom made lifelong friends who shared his love of wilderness and fighting forest fires.

Vietnam was not the only war Tom battled, he also fought cancer. First tackling prostate cancer in 2022 and 2023, and then combating advanced lung cancer in 2024. Tom passed away June 21st, in the home of his daughter, surrounded by family and 60’s music.

Tom’s personality, integrity, honor, courage, and dad humor will live on through his surviving children; sons Tom Jr. (Becky), Rick (Debbie), and Michael, daughter, Carrie (Dan), his 11 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.

Tom loved his huge family, including surviving siblings, Sonny (Nancy), Gerri (Otis), Liz (Oscar), Maria (Jose), predeceased siblings Rosie and Billy, generations of countless nieces, nephews, and cousins; both in the US and the Philippines.

In keeping with his wishes, no memorial services are planned. A date later this summer will be chosen for a burial at sea off the coast at Depoe Bay.

The family of Tom thank all the wonderful people who provided care to him. We are beyond grateful for the kindness, support, and camaraderie throughout his cancer journey. No one fights alone.

Johnson Funeral Home of Salem, Oregon is assisting the family during this time.