Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years

Florentino "Frank" S. Flores

Florentino "Frank" S. Flores passed on to heaven at the age of 98 on October 12, 2024. Florentino was born on March 14, 1926 in Kansas City, Missouri. He was one of 8 children to parents from Mexico. His parents died when he was a child. He was separated from his siblings and sent to live with family in Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico where he was raised until 16 years old. At that age, he moved to Powell, Wyoming to live with an aunt and uncle. There he learned farming and worked as a general farmhand for different farmers in Powell and Greybull. In 1945, at 19, he learned English and entered the US Army. He served two years as a Medical Aidman with the 6th Infantry Division, 20th Regiment, Medical Detachment in Korea.

In 1950, Florentino married Josephine "Josie" Saldana who he loved devoutly throughout their 67 years of marriage. They were blessed with six children. He devoted his life to providing for his family in the honorable work of farming. He continued to work as a farmhand for different farmers in the Big Horn basin, then he settled into a long-term farmhand position with Ted Ondo in Worland. After working over 35 years of growing sugar beets with Ted, he retired from farming. Instead, he went to work for the Holly Sugar factory where he worked well into his 80s. He had a strong work ethic, being a reliable, responsible and competent worker on the farms and in the factory. He enjoyed engaging with people, often teasing them then laughing with them, playing cards or shooting pool with friends. He loved Mexican music and movies, and was a good dancer. He was a devout Bronco and Rockies fan, and an avid reader, especially of western fiction. Florentino was an easygoing, kindhearted soul, who overcame many obstacles and challenges to live a long life.

Florentino is survived by his daughter and three sons, Elena, Richard, David (Mary), Tony; his 10 grandchildren: Rico (Megan), Jaelynn, Nathan, David (Kirsten), Sheena (Dale), Nicholas (Jessica),

Anthony (Veronica), Ciera (Bryan), Oceana, Carmen (Alex); his 22 great grandchildren; his 4 great great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Silviana Flores, his mother, Auraro Zuniga, his wife, Josephine Flores; his siblings, Valentin, Amador, Avelina, Magdalena, Santos, Maria Luisa, Silviano and his two sons, Carlos and Tom.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024 at 9:00am at St. Mary Magdalen Church at 1099 Charles Ave in Worland. Burial will follow at the Donald J Ruhl Memorial Cemetery in Greybull, Wyoming. Military honors will be provided by The United States Army and the American Legion Post #32 and #26. Online condolences may be made at http://www.bryantfuneralhomeonline.com.

 
 
Rendered 11/12/2024 14:54