Louis Torres

1937-2023

Louis “Louie” Torres passed away on Thursday, April 6 at the age of 85.

Louie was born in Socorro, N.M. on September 15, 1937, to Louis and Petra Torres. Louie joined the United States Navy when he was 17 and served during the Vietnam War, where he served five campaigns and received multiple medals and ribbons. These included: The Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V”, Vietnam Service Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Action Ribbon and Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon. He served his country for 20 years and retired as a Gunner’s Mate GMGC E-7.

In 1973, Louie met Josefina Flosa, who he married and shared three children with. As a civilian, he decided to come back to Socorro and become a bartender where he was the welcoming face at the Capital Bar and Mountain View Bar for 30 plus years. He was quick-witted and loved by all.

If Louie wasn’t reading or collecting coins, he was spending time with his cherished children and grandchildren. He loved going out to eat around town and you could catch him at breakfast every Saturday morning.

Louie was very involved in his children and grandchildren’s lives, and they would agree that he was the greatest man that they have ever known. Louie was a joy to have and will be dearly missed by all.

Louie is preceded in death by his father, Louis, mother, Petra, brother, Tony Torres, four sisters, Andrea Torres, Barbara Torres, Viola Polock, and Gloria Goforth. He is survived by his brother Frankie Torres and his children Mario Torres and significant other Aracely Bermudez, Fernando Torres, and Jessica Torres. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Danielle Torres-Valadez and her husband Jorge Gonzalez, Marissa Lopez and significant other Matthew Romero, Angelica Lopez and significant other Ashton Monette, Jovana Chavez, and Fernando Torres, Jr. He is survived by three great-grandchildren Ella True, Jonah True and Jorge Gonzalez, Jr.

Funeral proceedings will be held at Daniels Family Funerals and The Celebration of Louie’s Life Reception will be held at the American Legion in Socorro. Time and date will soon to be announced.

Here is the phrase our loving father and grandfather wanted to be said when he is no longer here with us:

“And now the journey begins…” 

El Defensor Chieftain