Taft - Felix Cardenas Flores, known to friends and family as Moose, went to his Heavenly Father, gearing down that celestial highway into the light on his memorable eighteen-wheeler.  His journey took him away from all earthly highways on February 6, 2025 as he succumbed to his courageous battle with cancer.  Felix was born at home here in Taft on October 17, 1947. 

Felix was proceeded in death by his parents, Rita Cardenas Flores and Tirso (Ticho) Flores, his brother Fernando, sisters Delia Besinaiz and Domitila Sturgeon; as well as brothers in law, Charles Besinaiz and Loreto Moreno.  He leaves behind two loving siblings, Federico Flores (Dora) and Delfina Moreno. 

Felix also leaves numerous cousins, nephews and nieces, as well as very close trucking buddies.  The discussions of motors, parts, names of highways and distance markers made up his conversations with all the trucking friends he made over the years. 

He leaves behind his wife, Norma Elizabeth Mendez of 60 years, his children Nora Lisa Sawyer (Tom), Felix Flores Jr. (Martha), Mona Liza Flores and Rita Celene Flores (Harvey). 

Later, as his children grew and married, they gave him what he called his “Monkey Club”.  His club consisted of grandkids Kalie, Mariel, Nya, Fernando, Marie, Michael and Natalia.  The grandkids became his pride and joy.  Kalie will recall how grandpa told her to say her first name, but confused her by telling her she had to say “and then Davis”.  That created some problems as she went off to school saying her full name was “Kalie Reanne And Then Davis”.  He secretly told grandma that he was proud of the engineer, (Mariel) would become, and would always call her by her 7 names he made for her personally. He always recalled how he’d asked Nya Lonni how her first day at school had gone and her response had been, “oh, grandpa, there are too many things to remember to remember”.   He taught his first male grandson the importance of hard work and often told grandma that he “just knew Fernando would grow up to be a solid hard-working man and grandpa often referred to Fernando as “a kind and gentle soul”. Then to Shiloh, he emphasized the “man on the moon”.  On his travels down the road, as he wheeled in the darkness of night with a full moon to guide him, he shared the idea of the man on the moon to his “blue eyed beauty”. He referred to his second grandson, Mikey as “Super Mario” and grandpa hopes he remembers the love he had for him. And last but not least, he constantly asked his youngest grand-daughter, Natalia, if he was her best, best, best friend, something that got her to roll her eyes as only a ten- year- old can do. 

He worked hard to provide a living for his family, traveled all of the United States; criss-crossing from Florida to Oregon, California to New York, and every state in between.  As time went by and he absorbed all he had seen, he learned that staying away from his family was not what he wanted.  He stayed in the local area hauling oil and agricultural commodities. 

Felix will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by his family, and friends as a true role model whose kindness and generosity knew no bounds. He had a natural ability to bring joy to everyone around him, often sharing laughter and creating lasting memories with his infectious sense of humor. Felix's love for music was evident to all, as he would light up any room with his spirited singing of the songs he cherished. Always ready to lend a hand to those in need, his warmth, compassion, and positive spirit left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Gear’em down, grandpa, shift toward the outer limits and we’ll see your shining star adjacent to the man on the moon. 

Visitation will be held Monday, February 10, 2025, 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Resthaven Funeral Home Chapel, Sinton. The Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held the same evening, 7:00 PM at the funeral home. The Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, February 11, 2025, 10:00 AM, Immaculate Conception Church, Taft. Burial will follow in Lamas Memorial Park, Taft.

Guestbook available online at www.resthavenfunerals.com

Arrangements and care entrusted to Resthaven Funeral Home, Sinton.