Ramon Rafael Torres

Ramon Rafael Torres, surrounded in love by his family, peacefully entered eternal rest on Friday, August 2, 2024 at his home in San Rafael, New Mexico. Ramon was born October 24,1929 in San Rafael. At 19 years old, Ramon enlisted in the US Army. Basic training took him to Ft. Ord California, and then he was stationed at Ft. Monmouth, New Jersey in support of the Korean Conflict. He loved his time on the East Coast and oftentimes told many stories of adventures on the Jersey Shore and Asbury Park. His heart ultimately called him to return to hisbeloved San Rafael following an honorable discharge in 1951.

In 1958, he married the love of his life, Mabel Mcbride. They raised seven children in a loving and devout Catholic home. Ramon’s faith defined how he lived. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Grants Council and a proud parishioner of Mission San Rafael Catholic Church. He served the Church in many ways from his time as a Mayordomo to making rounds in the parking lot during Church bingo. Ramon was a staple in the fabric of San Rafael life. He was a proud supporter of the San Rafael 76ers. He volunteered in the concession stands, cleaned the gym, and helped however he could. He loved cheering on his kids at basketball games. He connected easily with young people through his humor and kindness.

Ramon was a hard working man with a true servant’s mentality. He served his community on the San Rafael Water and Sanitation Board. He held many occupations including owning a gas station, police officer and a Cold War Patriot as an electrician at Homestake Uranium Mines. He proudly built his own home in his spare time. Everything he did was in service to the people he loved the most, his family and community. The jewels of Ramon’s eyes were his grandchildren. Once he retired from the mines, he treasured being a Grandpa. He ensured that each grandchild knew they were special and loved. Grandpa Ramon attended football games, soccer games, violin recitals, and many other events to show his love and support. He loved playing card games and checkers with his grandchildren but he never let them win; he always made them earn it!

Ramon was preceded in death by his wife, Mabel G. Torres; daughter Clara Torres; parents Leandro and Concepcion (née Padilla) Torrez; brothers Leonardo, Alejandro, Rosalio, and Elmer Torrez; sisters Juanita Suniga and Celine Jaramillo; grandson Randy Valdez. He is survived by his sisters Mary Archunde, Ernie (Enrique) Castillo, his children Leandro (Tessie) Torres, Cecilia (Roland) Cantu, Carol (Dustin) Presser, Ramona Torres, Camille (Larry) Vigil, Ramon (Traci) Torres Jr.; grandchildren Jennifer Echols, Leandro Torres Jr., Annessa Valdez, Adrian Quintana, Joshua Jaramillo, Joseph Cantu, Megan Pickerel, Johnathon Cantu, Erica Aragon, Kyle Vigil, Mia Vigil, Lauren Torres, Isabelle Torres, Amelia Torres, Gabriella Torres; great grandchildren: Cheyenne and Abigail Quintana, Aden and Aurora Cantu, Brayden, Bryson, Aria and Gabriella Pickeral, Eve Shult, Damian Trujillo, AJ and Lincoln Simpkins, Evan Echols, Luke and Olivia Torres. Ramon was soon to be great great grandpa to Anthony Rodriguez.

Services will be held at Mission San Rafael Catholic Church. Visitation will take place Monday, August 19 at 6:00 pm and a rosary to follow at 7:00 pm. The funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 20 at 10:00 am Burial will follow at San Rafael Cemetery with Military Funeral Honors. Pallbearers: Leandro Torres, Ramon Torres Jr., Roland Cantu, Adrian Quintana, Joshua Jaramillo Kyle Vigil, and Larry Vigil. Honorary Pallbearers: Dustin Presser, Megan Powdrell, Sonya Hernandez, Michelle Torrez, Pauline A. Chavez, all his grandchildren and great grandchildren, and his beloved nieces and nephews