Raul Vasquez Flores, born September 21, 1960 in Lamesa, Texas, transitioned peacefully in his home on Wednesday, May 29, 2024. On Wednesday, June 5, 2024, Visitation will begin at Bartley Funeral Home at 5:00 pm with a Memorial Service at 6:00 PM. On Thursday, June 6, 2024, Graveside Service will be at 10:00 AM at Hale Center Cemetery, Hale Center, Texas under the direction of Bartley Funeral Home. Following the Graveside Service, a meal in Raul's honor will be held at 11:30 AM at the Lemond Community Center (110 Stevenson Ave, Hale Center, TX 79041).

Raul spent most of his life in Hale Center, Texas. He graduated from Hale Center High School in 1980. Raul attended and graduated from Jesse Lee's Hair Design Institute in Lubbock, Texas, where he received his Cosmetology License in 1981. In 2011, he attended and graduated from South Plains College with a Cosmetology Instructor Certificate.

If you lived in the Plainview, Hale Center, or general Southern Plains area, then you probably encountered Raul's newspaper and TV commercial advertisements as "The Hair Taker" willing to make you feel fabulous. He spent the early years of his career (the 1980s and early 1990s) at Jerri's Place where he rented a booth and station. In 1998, he became a small-business owner and officially opened The Hair Station where he served the community with dedication and care. He was known for his friendly demeanor, attentive listening, and his ability to make everyone feel seen and special. The fact that your hair was done the way you wanted was simply an added bonus. In all, Raul had over 40 years of experience taking care of people and their hair.

He married his high-school sweetheart, Maria Yolanda Valdez of Olton, Texas in 1982. She was a social worker until their marriage ended in 2001. On December 23, 2002, Raul married his second wife, Michelle Young, of Wilson, Texas. She was an elementary school teacher until their marriage ended in 2006.

Raul was community oriented and civically engaged. For years, he was a member of the Hale Center Lion's Club and the Hale Center Chamber of Commerce, even serving a short stint as President. For many years, Raul worked with Meals-on-Wheels to ensure the senior members of the community ate and also served as the Master-of-Ceremonies for the annual Fourth of July Parade and Festival in Hale Center. Additionally, Raul assisted with the Miss Hale Center Pageant and served as a founding member of the Hale Center Juvenile Committee, which provided recommendations to the City Council to address juvenile issues. Without doubt, Raul dedicated himself to serving others.

Raul was a man of many passions. He loved music, especially classic rock and Tejano, as well as going to the cinema to catch the latest film. Traveling was one of his favorite pastimes, with trips all over Texas and to the coast and family visits being a highlight. Raul was also known for his keen sense of style and love of shopping, always ensuring he and those around him looked their best.

Raul is preceded by and will be reunited with his father, Valentin Flores Sr., his brothers Santiago Flores and Alejandro Flores. Those left to cherish his memories are his mother, Zulema Flores of Hale Center, Texas, and his two children, Nicholas "Nic" Flores, Ph.D. of Champaign, Illinois and Emily Flores of Boise, Idaho. Raul is also survived by his family, whose siblings include: Guadalupe Flores, Sonia Flores, Valentin Flores Jr., Isabel Salas, Rogelio Flores, Miguel Flores, Oscar Flores, Sara Jimenez, Josie Martinez, Zulema Flores, and Angelica Ozbirn; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family sends gratitude for the outpouring of love and support from friends and loved ones.