Higinio "Chico" Flores III

Higinio Flores III or better known to friends as “Chico” passed away peacefully Monday, March 2nd, 2026, at his residence in Odem, Texas, at the age of 79. Higinio was born December 6th, 1946, in Aransas Pass to parents Consuelo (Ramirez) and Higinio Flores, Jr. He was raised in Corpus Christi and spent his childhood on Main Drive. As a child he would love to travel to Victoria, Texas, where he spent many summers and weekends with his beloved grandparents on the farm. Higinio attended the Tuloso Midway School District from elementary through graduation.

Not long after graduating high school, Uncle Sam came calling as the Vietnam War was in full swing and Higinio, as many other young men his age, was drafted into the United States Army. Higinio served his country with honor as a member of the 1st Cavalry Division often referred to as “the headhunters”. His loyalty, diligence, and devotion to duty in a counterinsurgency environment earned him The Bronze Star Medal by direction of the President of the United States.

Upon being honorably discharged from the Army, Higinio returned home to Main Drive. He didn’t have to look far down the street to see what was to become his life’s work. Employed by Suntide Refining Company in 1970, eventually Koch Refining Company and now Flint Hills Resources, Higinio became a staple within the company serving 49 years to his craft before retiring in 2019. Known affectionately as “Chico” within the gates many have attributed their successful careers to his mentorship.

In his spare time, Higinio earned certification in small engine repair from Del Mar College, often tinkering with chainsaws, mowers, and the like. He enjoyed spending afternoons BBQ’ing with his sons, granddaughters, and numerous friends. You would always find him on Sundays watching his Dallas Cowboys or NASCAR races at his favorite watering hole, The Frontier Saloon. He was a lifelong hunter and fisherman always carrying a sharp knife in his back pocket.

Higinio is preceded in death by his parents, Higinio and Consuelo Flores, brothers Ismael Flores and Jose Flores.

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 55 years, Celia “Sally” Flores whom he married May 21st, 1970; his three sons, Fabian Flores, Higinio “Gino” Flores IV, and Mark Flores; the joys of his life, his granddaughters Casandra Michelle Flores, Marissa Rheana Flores, and Olivia Ann Flores; great grandkids, Brielle Rae Garza and Cruz David Garza. Survivors also include his siblings Adan Flores, Carlos Flores (Elva), Santiago Flores (Gloria), Rosaura J. Flores, Tomas Flores (Claudia), Jesus Flores (Olivia), Margarita Arevalo (Rick), and Joseph Flores (Nancy).

Visitation will be March 18th, 2026, at 5pm at Memory Gardens Funeral Home (8200 Old Brownsville) with the Holy Rosary Recitation at 7pm.

Holy Mass will be celebrated March 19th, 2026, at 11:30am at St. Theresa Catholic Church (1302 Lantana) Interment with full military honors will follow at 1pm at Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery (9974 IH-37).

Pallbearers will be brothers Adan Flores, Carlos Flores, Santiago Flores, Tomas Flores, Jesus Flores and Joseph Flores. Joining them will be nephews Jose Luis Flores and Jeremy Flores. Reception will immediately follow at the VFW Post 3837 (12030 Leopard St.)