Santiago "Arthur" T. Flores

Santiago “Arthur” T. Flores, born in 1938 to Francisco and Rosita Flores in the sun-drenched landscapes of Arizona, passed away peacefully. He leaves behind a legacy of dedication, adventure, and unwavering love for his family and the land. From his earliest days, Arthur grew up immersed in the rhythms of the family farm, where he developed a profound passion for agriculture that would define his life—just like his father before him. The soil, the crops, and the quiet satisfaction of nurturing growth were in his blood. A brilliant student and lifelong learner, Arthur earned his Bachelor of Science in Entomology and his Master of Science in Plant Pathology from the University of Arizona. These degrees were more than academic achievements; they were the foundation for a remarkable career that took him across continents in service to agriculture and science. It was during these formative years that Arthur met the love of his life, the beautiful Socorro (affectionately known as Cora), with whom he shared a deep and enduring marriage of 64 years. Their partnership was a cornerstone of strength, filled with shared dreams, laughter, and the joys of raising a family together. Arthur's professional journey began at Union Carbide, where his expertise in plant protection products, including the innovative SAVIN product, led to extraordinary opportunities. He traveled the world—Africa, Egypt, the Dominican Republic, and beyond—bringing knowledge and solutions to farmers far and wide. This work carried him and his young family first to Lexington, South Carolina, for eight meaningful years, then briefly back to Arizona, before settling in McAllen, Texas. In the Rio Grande Valley, he led a research farm in Edcouch-Elsa and eventually travelled to the Union Carbide plant in Brownsville, always with a tireless commitment to advancing agricultural science. Later in his career, Arthur joined the USDA in foreign service, a role that reignited his sense of wonder and adventure. He embraced new horizons in California, Florida, Mexico, the Bahamas, Jamaica, Haiti, and Colombia, contributing his expertise to global plant health while cherishing the diverse cultures and people he encountered. Through every chapter—whether tending fields under Arizona skies, navigating international projects, or building a home in Texas—Arthur remained grounded in his roots as a farmer at heart. He was a man who found beauty in the simple act of growth, who valued hard work, integrity, and the quiet bonds of family above all. Arthur is survived by his devoted wife, Cora Flores; his beloved children: son Art Flores Jr., daughter Ann Vega (Oscar Vega), grand daughter Victoria Carrion (Santos),grandson Christian Vega, grandson Sebastian Vega, son George Flores (Sandy Haginas), and grandson Nick Flores; grand daughters Maddie Flores, Sydney Flores, Sophia Flores, and Natalie Flores; and his precious great-grandchild Scarlett Noel Carrion, who brought him immense joy in his later years. He is also survived by his siblings: brothers Frank Flores (Rosemary), Richard Flores (Irma), Gilbert Flores (Connie), and sister Rosie Rodriguez (Roy). Arthur's life was a testament to the power of curiosity, perseverance, and love. He leaves behind not only a family who adored him but also a world subtly improved by his contributions to agriculture. Though he is gone, the seeds he planted—in fields, in science, and in the hearts of those who knew him—will continue to bear fruit for generations. Friends and family are invited to attend a Visitation on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm with a Rosary at 6:00pm at Kreidler Funeral Home in McAllen. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00am on Thursday, January 15, 2026 at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in McAllen. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Kreidler Funeral Home, Inc. of McAllen.

Tributes

Santiago "Arthur" T. Flores

January 12, 2026