Federico “Fred” P. Flores, 86 passed away on Friday, July 19, 2019, in Victoria, TX. A native of Alice, TX, he considered Victoria his hometown. Like many of his generation, Fred forewent his high school education to work various jobs to help his family. He served in the United States Marine Corps as a Corporal in the 4th Battalion Artillery Unit and earned the National Defense Service Award, Korean Award, and United Nations Award for his service in the Korean War. He was married to Emma Rodriguez for 64 years before she passed away in 2015. Together, they raised four children; Hilda, Federico Jr., Juventina “Tina” and Richard.
After working for Culberson Well Service as a toolpusher, Fred struck out on his own to start his first family business in 1979. Victoria Welding & Lease Service was built upon Fred’s first-hand knowledge and the learned skills of his son Richard, a welder by trade. Fred and his family would continue to serve the oil and gas industry through FlorCo., SureFlo Oil & Gas and Freddy’s Well Service.
Fred was an active participant in his community; creating jobs for hundreds of people over the years, running for political office, and offering original jokes to anyone who crossed his path. His catch-phrase “check it out” encouraged you to be brave, adventurous but most of all - willing.
If Federico P. Flores was anything- he was willing. He was willing to help anyone in need, to offer advice, to dance, to love whole-heartedly and always willing to try. He loved horses and dreamed of one day attending the Kentucky Derby.
He was preceded in death by; his parents, Biterbo and Juventina Peña Flores, brother, Biterbo “Billy” Flores, sister, Dahlia Perez, son, Federico Flores Jr., grandson, Elton John Flores and his beloved wife, Emma Rodriguez Flores.
He is survived by his sisters, Gloria Dauzat and Eliza Romero; daughters, Juventina “Tina” De Leon and Hilda Hernandez along with their husbands, Harold, and Tony (resp.); son, Richard Flores and wife, Diana; 10 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of the life of Federico "Fred" Flores will be held Wednesday, July 24, 2019, at 5 pm followed by a rosary at 7 pm at Rosewood Funeral Chapel, 3304 E Mockingbird Lane, Victoria, TX. The mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church on Thursday, July 25, 2019, at 10 am with interment immediately following at Resurrection Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Paul A. Fuentez, John Fuentez, Jeremy Fuentez, Omar Saleh, Jaeson Trevino, and Jeremiah Steward. Honorary pallbearers are Tiffany D. Steward, Krystal Trevino, Felicia Flores, Holly De Leon-Hunter, Sarah Saleh and Emily De Leon.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to his caregivers Maria De Leon and Susan Vargas, as well as South Texas Hospice for the dedication and care provided to Fred in recent years.
Share condolences at www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com.
