On Saturday morning, June 24, 2017, we said our final goodbyes to our father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, Jose Domingo Florez.  Jose was born on March 19, 1935, in Barranquilla, Colombia, where he grew up in a home that was filled with love.  It was there that as a child he fell in love with the sport that stayed with him for the rest of his life-- soccer.  He came to this country in 1952 to pursue his college education at Christian Brothers in Memphis, TN.  Transferring to Arkansas State, he met the woman who would be the love of his life, Ruby Coffey. He attained his bachelor's degree and later went on to earn his master's and specialist degrees.   After getting married and starting a family, Jose accepted a teaching job in Mansfield, MO, as their first ever high school science teacher.   Four years later an opportunity came for the family to move to Springfield where he would teach at Glendale High School. He stayed there until 1971.  The following year he accepted a position at Kickapoo High School where he excelled as a masterful teacher to the point of winning two "Missouri Outstanding Science Teacher of the Year" awards.  Mr. Florez was beloved by students and staff alike   He began coaching club soccer at Drury in the mid-1970s, traveling with the team to numerous colleges and universities.  However, his dream came true in 1984 when Springfield adopted soccer as a varsity sport and Jose was chosen to be the first coach at Kickapoo where he remained until his retirement in 1991. In the fall of 2016 he was honored when Kickapoo High School renamed the soccer field after him with a dedication ceremony.  After retiring from Springfield public education, Jose went on to teach and coach for ten more years at various schools, including his hometown in Colombia.

Jose Florez was a dedicated member of East Grand Church of Christ where he served as a deacon and an elder for forty years.  He was proud to be instrumental in helping start the mission work in Nicaragua that has expanded and continues to flourish today.  Jose loved many things, but more than anything he loved his family.  He taught us to laugh, to love, and even sometimes cry, but more than anything to give of ourselves.  He was a true giver.  He knew how to lift you up when you were down and never passed up a moment to teach.  He was an encouragement and an inspiration to everyone he met.

Jose was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Ruby Florez, his parents, Arturo and Lesbia Florez, and his brother, Nelson.  He is survived by his children Chuck (JoAnn) of Gig Harbor, WA, Carmen Perkins (John) of Nixa, Bob (Debra) of Springfield, and Rich (Amy) of St. Louis, two sisters: Lisa Lewis (Robert) and Elvia Riusech, both of Springfield, ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A celebration service will be held Thursday, June 29, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. at East Grand Church of Christ, under the care of Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Nicaragua Fund through East Grand Church of Christ, 2220 East Grand, Springfield, MO 65804.