Enrique, known as Dad, Grandpa and Great Grandpa, was born to Manuel Cardenas and Benedicta Flores on November 4, 1936, in Los Olmos, Matamoros Mexico. He grew up as a farmer and cultivator working on his parent’s lands in el Rancho Los Olmos. Later in life, he relocated his young family and migrated to the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, where he became a commercial construction laborer who specialized in masonry work. His labor was instrumental to the formation of the Cameron County Court House and the Brownsville South Padre Island Airport.
Enrique is survived by his wife Maria De Jesus Jaramillo and eight children, Lupita married to Gonzalo Rubio Jr., Maria Elena married to Miguel Ledezma, Jose Manuel married to Gloria Berlanga, Enedina married to Guillermo Marroquin, Enrique Jr. married to Estrella Espinoza, Juan Francisco married to Elisa Hernandez, Homero, and Reynaldo married to Nancy Cano. Additionally, he is survived by 30 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. Furthermore, he is survived by his siblings, Adelina Elvia, Baldemar, Arturo, Ezequiel, Florencio and, Juan Manuel. He was predeceased by his father Manuel and mother Benedicta, along with his siblings Maria, Gregoria, and Romana.
In the mid-1980’s, Enrique was the victim of a jobsite accident where a mobile crane’s boom knocked him and a co-worker off a 50-foot-high scaffold. The near-death experience resulted in a broken spine that plagued his wellbeing for over 35 years. Despite his injury, he continued to work hard and never shied away from a challenge. He ensured that every one of his children had a homestead and helped them with construction efforts and technical expertise. Enrique was never short on advice and wisdom for his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He was immensely proud of his family and loved having them near, his unique sense of humor was welcomed and known by all that have spent time with him…he was never short of a joke or two. A father figure to many, He will be missed; may God keep him in his arms as he transitions to the everlasting life.
Enrique’s family will host a funeral service on Wednesday, February 01, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. with viewing continuing into the night until Thursday morning, at the Funeraria del Angel Buena Vista, 125 McDavitt Blvd., Brownsville TX, 78521. The procession will depart the funeral home Thursday, February 02, at 11:30 a.m. for a mass service at San Felipe De Jesus Catholic Church, 2215 Rancho Viejo Ave, Brownsville, TX 78526 followed by interment at Buena Vista Burial Park, McDavitt Blvd., Brownsville TX.
