In Memory Of
Jess Torrez
Jess Torrez
Jess Torrez, 84, of Topeka, formerly of Great Bend, KS, passed away on Saturday, November 13, 2010 after a battle with esophageal cancer and Alzheimer's at Manor Care Health Services in Topeka. He was born on August 2, 1926 in Hanston, Kansas to Silbrestre and Isabel (Ruiz) Torrez.
Jess graduated from Larned High School and then attended police training at the University of Kansas. He married Josefina Lucia Hernandez on September 28, 1948 in Larned, KS. In his early years, he was employed by the Santa Fe Railroad. In 1957, he joined the Great Bend Police Department where he held the rank of Sergeant. In 1967, he joined the Barton County Sheriff's Department where he was a deputy sheriff. He retired from employment with the Holiday Inn in August 1991.
Jess was actively involved in politics on both local and state levels. He was elected City Councilman from 1972 to 1976, and elected to County Commissioner in 1982. He was a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Optimist Club and a volunteer for the Barton County Historical Society. Jess was very active within the Kansas Democratic Party serving as a precinct delegate.
He is survived by his daughter, Maria (Ray) Torrez Anderson, Topeka; daughter in law, Patricia Torrez, Topeka; siblings, Phillip, Chicago; Bobbie Duarte, Phoenix; Jane (Don) Devinney, Liberal; Phyllis Aldrete, Tucson; Don Torrez, Larned; Frank (Francis), Hutchinson; grandchildren, Jeff (Signe) Torrez, Merriam; Chris (Marcie)Torrez; Trisha (Justin) Vest; Tory Anderson, Topeka; great-grandchild, Courtney and Erica Torrez, Merriam; Madison Torrez and Addison Vest, Topeka. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Josefina, his son Jesse J. and brother Manuel.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial is pending at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Great Bend. Inurnment will follow at a later date at the Mt. Hope Cemetery in Topeka, KS. Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel is assisting with arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 1421 Holland St., Great Bend, KS 67530.
Jess graduated from Larned High School and then attended police training at the University of Kansas. He married Josefina Lucia Hernandez on September 28, 1948 in Larned, KS. In his early years, he was employed by the Santa Fe Railroad. In 1957, he joined the Great Bend Police Department where he held the rank of Sergeant. In 1967, he joined the Barton County Sheriff's Department where he was a deputy sheriff. He retired from employment with the Holiday Inn in August 1991.
Jess was actively involved in politics on both local and state levels. He was elected City Councilman from 1972 to 1976, and elected to County Commissioner in 1982. He was a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Optimist Club and a volunteer for the Barton County Historical Society. Jess was very active within the Kansas Democratic Party serving as a precinct delegate.
He is survived by his daughter, Maria (Ray) Torrez Anderson, Topeka; daughter in law, Patricia Torrez, Topeka; siblings, Phillip, Chicago; Bobbie Duarte, Phoenix; Jane (Don) Devinney, Liberal; Phyllis Aldrete, Tucson; Don Torrez, Larned; Frank (Francis), Hutchinson; grandchildren, Jeff (Signe) Torrez, Merriam; Chris (Marcie)Torrez; Trisha (Justin) Vest; Tory Anderson, Topeka; great-grandchild, Courtney and Erica Torrez, Merriam; Madison Torrez and Addison Vest, Topeka. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Josefina, his son Jesse J. and brother Manuel.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial is pending at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Great Bend. Inurnment will follow at a later date at the Mt. Hope Cemetery in Topeka, KS. Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel is assisting with arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 1421 Holland St., Great Bend, KS 67530.
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