Esequiel "Zeke" Flores

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Esequiel “Zeke” Flores, who was born on June 8, 2001, in Waco, Texas, and left this world on April 25, 2026, at the age of 24.

Esequiel was a kind-hearted person whose smile lit up every room, and whose laughter brought joy to everyone around him. A proud 2020 Caldwell High School graduate, he was a dedicated Hornet football player and powerlifter. His strength, determination, and character were recognized when he received the Carl Esparza Award for Courage.

From an early age, he discovered a passion for welding, quickly developing a talent that set him apart. He competed in welding tournaments, earning numerous awards for the quality and precision of his work. He later became a proud member of Lonestar Truck Group, where he worked for six years. The people he worked alongside became more than colleagues—they became family.

He was a wonderful son and an amazing brother; someone his family could always count on. Though his time here was far too short, he accomplished so much. Of all the roles he held, the one he cherished most was being an uncle to his nieces and nephews. He loved spending time with family and always looked forward to the next gathering, where his presence brought joy to everyone around him.

In his free time, he enjoyed fishing, attending sporting events, and going to rodeos—simple pleasures that reflected his love for life and the people he shared it with.

He is lovingly survived by his parents, Raquela Flores and Luz N. Flores; his siblings, Ray L. Flores, Rebecca Arjona (Alexis Arjona), Esperanza “Hope” Peltier (Neil Peltier), Josie Cherico (Chris Cherico), Jerry Flores, Isaias Flores (Natalie Zuniga), and Gabriela Flores; and his beloved nieces and nephews, Ray Jr. Flores (Esmeralda Flores), Angela Flores, Andrea Flores, Adian Torres, Mariana Flores, Makayla Flores, Caleb Cherico, Cameron Cherico, Luke Flores, Braylee Flores, Sophia Flores, Andrew Arjona, Adrian Arjona, Isaac Flores, and a great nephew Ray E. Flores.

Pallbearers are James Thomas “JT” Griest, Diego Gaucin, Sixto Banuelos, Josue Gaytan, Ruben Vargas, Ivan Soto.

Honorary Pallbearers are Scott Hughes, Antonio Garcia, Ray Flores, Jerry Flores, Isaias Flores, and Ray Flores Jr.

He had a heart of gold, and his absence is deeply felt by all who knew and loved him. He will be remembered for his kindness, his laughter, and the light he brought into every room. In honoring his life, we carry forward the love he gave so freely—by showing kindness to others, staying close to family, and never taking a single moment together for granted.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” — Philippians 4:13