Rene Efrain Flores, 80, of Pearland, Texas, went home to be with our Heavenly Father on February 20, 2024.  He was the youngest of 5 children born to Manuel and Faustina Flores on August 25, 1943, in Mission, Texas.

He attended Raymondville High School in Raymondville, Texas. Upon graduation from high school in 1961, he enlisted in the military.  He proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1961-1965.

He married the love of his life, Mary Marroquin, on August 7, 1965 in Lasara, Texas. Their journey of love and partnership lasted 58 wonderful years.  After settling in the Houston area, they welcomed two daughters and made a life filled with family and friends that brought them much happiness.  He loved taking his family on summer vacations, especially to the beautiful National parks our nation has to offer.  While raising his family, he worked at Schlumberger for 27 years. After retirement from Schlumberger, he worked for the Harris County Toll Authority.

In addition to being a proud father, Rene loved being a grandfather. One of his favorite roles he played in his life was being "Huelito" to his 3 grandchildren. He kept up with all the events his grandchildren participated in and never missed the opportunity to support them.  His grandchildren brought him immense joy and he loved spending time with them.

Rene enjoyed fishing, hosting big barbeques, and hunting. A sports fanatic, he enjoyed watching his beloved Dallas Cowboys, the Houston Astros, the Houston Rockets, and the University of Houston Cougars. Rene and Mary spent many nights watching games together.  He had a great sense of humor and was known for his jokes and storytelling.

Rene is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Silvano Flores and Ruben Flores, and his sister, Aida Cano. He is survived by his wife, Mary, his daughter, Melissa and son in law, Jeremy Tidwell, and daughter Christina and son in law, Terry Shaffer, his grandchildren, Rebecca Shaffer, Daniel Shaffer, and Ray Tidwell, and his brother, Manuel Flores.  He is also survived by many other nieces, nephews, and other loved family members.

A funeral Mass will be on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church in Houston where he was a long-time parishioner. Interment will be held at a later date at Houston National Cemetery, where his military service and honorable life will be recognized.