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Hunberto “Berto” Howard Flores, 57, passed away on March 5, 2026, in Billings, Montana, after spending his final months reconnecting with his family. Berto was born on Oct. 27, 1968, in Minnesota to Daniel Saldana Flores Sr. and Joan Marie Standfast Flores.
As a child, Berto moved around often but grew up around Powell and Byron, Wyoming. He graduated from Powell High School, where he was known as a talented wrestler and someone whose intelligence came naturally. Following graduation, Berto proudly served in the United States Army from 1988 to 1992 and spent time stationed in Washington, D.C., before eventually returning home to Wyoming.
In 1993, Berto met Cristina DeLeon and her three children, Weecho, Mario and Vanessa. Their relationship would span nearly 20 years, during which they built a life together and welcomed two daughters, Sierra and Kianna. He became “Papa” for the first time in 2006 when his best friend, Donte was born.
Berto was a hardworking man who spent much of his life building and fixing things. He worked for UPS in Cody, Wyoming, and spent many years after that in construction and roofing, helping build homes across most of Park County. Most recently, he worked in transportation for the BNSF Railroad in Sheridan, Wyoming, where coworkers and friends affectionately referred to him as “Big Bad Bert.”
Outside of work, Berto was known for his strength, humor and big personality. As an adult he was also a boxer in Billings, Montana, and he carried that toughness into the rest of his life. He was a devoted Dallas Cowboys fan, and raised a few Cowboys fans of his own. He loved playing video games with his kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews. Berto also enjoyed taking everyone fishing, especially his kids, nieces and nephews and his best friend, Bubblehead. He loved going to play bingo and inviting everyone over to play poker. He was the kind of man who believed he could survive a zombie apocalypse — probably with nothing more than a pellet gun and an army of grandkids. He believed he could take on anything and may have convinced those around him that he was truly invincible.
Berto had a smile that people could feel even before they saw it. He loved cooking big homemade meals, bringing people together, and spending time with his family any chance he got. He was known as someone who understood people and the world around him — brilliant, insightful, loyal and always ready to stand up for those he cared about. To many, he was more than a friend or relative; he was a father figure, a protector, and a legend in his own right.
Berto was preceded in death by his mama, Joan; his brothers Joe, Darrell and baby Joe; and his granddaughter baby Calliope.
He is survived by his father Daniel; his brother Dan; and his sisters Kay, Linda, Vickie and Joan. He is also survived by his children Weecho, Mario, Vanessa, Sierra, Kianna and Aeriel.
Berto leaves behind a large and loving family of grandchildren: Donte, Liliana, Clarissa, Jason, Dominic, Johnie, Gabby, Juliana, Justin, Jocelyn, Hayden, Hannah, Catalella, Adrianna, Annelyka, Camilla, Odin, Daxten, Kaamil, Iniya, Xaviier and Dakota.
Berto spent much of his life around his family, which was what he treasured the most. His legacy lives on through the family and friends who will forever remember his strength, humor, loyalty, and the way he made people feel protected and loved.
He will be deeply missed and never forgotten.
Services will be held at 1 p.m. on March 11, 2026, in Billings, Montana, at Heights Family Funeral Home.
Those who loved him know the truth: legends like Berto never really leave — they live on in every story, every laugh, and every life they helped protect and shape.
