Robert Torrence

Dr. Robert Fredrick Torrence, 73, of Topeka, beloved husband, loving father, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, doctor, and friend passed away on Friday, September 16th , 2005 while vacationing in Oregon. "Doc" was born April 25th, 1932 in Bristol, Colorado to Ella Gregory Torrence and Joseph Laurence Torrence. He was the only brother to five sisters; Mary Beth Boyd of Pueblo, CO, Patricia Kilts of Joseph, Oregon, Bernie Michaud of Las Cruces, New Mexico, Muriel Ayers of Conway, Arkansas, and Bertha Keller who preceded him in death. He graduated from Neosho Rapids High School May 18, 1950, after which he served in the US Army during the Korean War. On January 15th , 1956 he married Mildred Wallace in Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. Torrence received his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Kansas State University. He obtained a degree in veterinary medicine, and was a member of Phi Kappa Phi and Sigma XI honor societies. In June of 1961 he opened The Animal Clinic of North Topeka which he owned and operated until April of 1995. He is survived by his wife of 50 years and their two daughters, Patti Torrence of Topeka, Jenny Torrence with her fiance Sean Harris and his daughter Addison also of Topeka. Doc will be mourned by his two sisters-in-law, Betty Brown of Topeka, and Dorothy Donaldson of Baltimore, Maryland. He had many adoring nieces and nephews, as well as a multitude of "adopted" grandkids who will miss his presence in their lives. He was a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Kansas Veterinary Assn., American Animal Hospital Assn., Topeka Friends of the Zoo, Golden Rule Lodge #90, Past Board member of the Helping Hands Humane Society, Life member of the KSU Alumni Association, KSU Foundation McCain club, Topeka Scottish Rite 32, Kansas Hunting Dog Club, and Provost Guard for the Arab Shrine.

Since their retirement Doc and Mitzi had enjoyed traveling both around the states and abroad to England, Ireland, Canada, Scotland, Wales, Brazil, Australia, and New Zealand. They have had many years of making the memories of a lifetime. He had enjoyed having more time to work with his hunting dogs, ride his horse, and complete a variety of projects. He was able to spend treasured hours hunting and fishing with friends and family. His death was a shock to the community; he will be dearly missed by friends and family alike.

A funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m., Friday, September 23, 2005 at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel. Interment will be in Rochester Cemetery, where military honors will be conducted by a U.S. Army funeral detail from Ft. Riley.

Doc will lie in state after 3:00 p.m., Thursday, September 22, 2005 at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel where the family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the College of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University where a scholarship will be established in Doc's name. Checks to be made to the KSU Foundation in care of K-State College of Veterinary Medicine, Development and Alumni, 103 Trotter Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506.

To leave a special message for the family online, please visit www.PenwellGabel.com.