Miguel Torres Obituary

MIGUEL ANGEL "MIKE" TORRES
Miguel Angel "Mike" Torres was called to be with the Lord surrounded by his wife, daughter, granddaughter, sisters, extended family and friends on Sunday, April 6, 2008, at Valley Regional Medical Center. Born March 30, 1938, in San Benito, Texas, he made his home in Brownsville all his life.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Miguel and Anita S. Torres, and his grandmother, Faustina Pasman, his brother, Jose Manuel Torres and his eldest brother, Miguel Torres.
Mike is survived by his wife of 39 years, Eresvita Torres; his daughter, Diana Torres De La Rosa; his son, Paul Church; and his granddaughter, Olivia De La Rosa; his sisters, Mary Ann (Elmo) Guillot, Acacia (Jesse) Morin, Cristina (Ken) Ratliff, and Helen (Jesse+) Cantu.
Prior to joining the Army, Mike was a member of the National Guard. He retired from the United States Army Special Forces in 1976, as a First Sergeant having served twenty two years and been stationed in Germany, Korea, and serving two tours in Vietnam. While in the service, Mike received the: National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal; Master Parachutist Badge; Combat Infantryman Badge; Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry; Army Commendation Medal; Good Conduct Medal 4 Awards; Armed Forced Expeditionary Medal; Korean Service Medal; and Meritorious Service Medal.
Upon returning to Brownsville, he attended Texas Southmost College and received an associate's degree. He continued his education at Pan American University in Edinburg, Texas where he received his bachelor's and master's degrees, and certifications in counseling and educational administration. Mike taught in the CVAE program at Central Junior High School, dedicating himself to making a difference for at-risk students. He went on to teach English at Hanna High School and also served as a counselor, holding the position of president of the Counselor's Association for a time. He retired as assistant principal at the Alternative Education Center.
As a community member, Mike made contributions of time and resources to many organizations. Mike served as President of the Board of Cameron and Willacy Counties Community Projects, Inc. He was on the Catholic Committee of Scouting and served as a Volunteer Camp Inspector for Boy Scouts of America. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Good Neighbor Settlement House.
In 1969, Mike was invited to join the Masons. He was a Master Mason in good standing of the Rio Grande No.81 Lodge having a 32nd degree in Masonry. He received the Golden Trowel award in 2007 for exceptional service. He was also a member of the Al Amin Shriners who dedicate their efforts to helping children in need of orthopedic and burn treatment.
Visitation will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. today, Tuesday, April 8, 2008, in the chapel of Darling-Mouser with the recitation of the holy rosary at 7p.m., at St. Luke Catholic Church, 2800 Rockwell Dr., Brownsville, Texas.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 3:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 9, at St. Luke Catholic Church. Committal service will follow at Buena Vista Burial Park.
A graveside ceremony to honor Mike will be led by his brothers in Masonry. Military honors will also be conducted at graveside by the members of the Veterans of Foreign War Post #2035.
Abel Betancourt, David Domingue, Arturo Nelson, Alfonso X. Soto Jr., Edward Vasquez, and Jaime Vasquez are honored to be serving as his pallbearers.
Honorary pallbearers will be Jesus Collazo, Abel Gonzalez, Julio Gonzalez Sr., Clemente Lopez, Apolonio "Polo" Martinez Jr., Hon. Judge Arturo C. Nelson, and Antonio "Tony" Vereb.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in honor of Mike's life to the scholarship fund of the Masonic Rio Grande Lodge#81, 1131 E. Jefferson, Brownsville, TX 78520.
The family would like to thank Carla Rodriguez from Superior Home Health, the friends he made in the staff of the Valley Hemodialysis Center, Sheila Nicart from NK Rehab Services, and a very heartfelt thanks to Dr. Juan Martinez and his staff for their care and concern.
You may offer your condolences to the Torres family online at www.darlingmouser.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Darling-Mouser Funeral Home, 945 Palm Blvd., Brownsville, Texas 78520 (956) 546-7111.