He was always smiling, a man liked by his co-workers, and someone who will be missed.

Fallen Geary County Corrections officer Felix K. Florez was remembered by his family and colleagues during a memorial service in Junction City on Saturday. He died after a shooting incident in Manhattan on September 22nd. Florez was off-duty at the time of the incident.

Florez was a 2014 Manhattan High School graduate who worked for a time with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, and later moved back to Manhattan to be closer to his family. He had worked as a corrections officer for the Geary County Sheriff’s Department for a few months and planned to try and become a deputy for the department.

Those attending the service at the Flint Hills Church remembered that Florez had a contagious smile on his face, was family oriented, and enjoyed laughing and joking.

Sheriff’s Department Captain Brian Hornaday presented a framed photo of Felix and another of the Law Enforcement Memorial to members of Florez’ family. Hornaday noted the members of the Department had lost a brother, but they could be comforted by knowing Felix is in a better place.

The Last Call for Felix Florez as it would be heard over radio dispatch wrapped up the service. When there was no answer from Officer Florez radio Number 497, that number was declared out of service. It has been retired.