Manuel graduated from W.B. Ray High School and on March 15, 1996, he married the love of his life, Yolanda S. Flores, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Corpus Christi. Together they shared 30 years of marriage filled with laughter, friendship, and devotion.
He worked for many years in finance collections, including Mercury Finance and Red McCombs in Austin, before retiring in 2011. Earlier in life he worked as a waiter at his mother's cafe "Tia Cafe", where his outgoing personality made him well known to many. Manuel never met a stranger — within minutes he could make anyone feel like family.
He loved cooking, telling jokes, football and baseball, camping trips, traveling to Las Vegas, and spending time with those he loved. He also gave back to the community as a youth baseball umpire and coach. Above all, he cherished time spent visiting, laughing, and gathering with family and friends.
He is reunited in heaven with his parents, Jesus Flores and Mary Lou Martinez; his sister, Jane Garza; his son, Tony Lee Flores; his brothers-in-law, Joe Perez and Honorio Garza; his brothers, Lupe Flores, Carpio Flores, Leo Flores, and Gene Flores; and his sister, Juanita Flores.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Yolanda S. Flores; his son, Jessie Joe (Elizabeth) Flores; his stepchildren, Arturo R. Castillo and Michael (Deyanira) Castillo; 6 grandsons, 2 granddaughters, and 2 great-grandsons; and his siblings, Josie Perez and Tencha Garza.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the hospital staff at Spohn Shoreline and caregivers Brenda Yebra and Kenneth Turner for their care and compassion.
Manuel will be remembered for his cooking, his humor, and his gift of conversation. His warmth and laughter touched many lives, and his memory will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
