Mark Torres

Mark was called home to be with the Lord on Monday, October 31, 2022, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born in Delano in 1934 and later moved with his parents to Arvin. Mark attended school in Arvin and was a member of the first graduating class of Arvin High School. Upon graduation, Mark joined the Army and served in the Airborne 11th Division during the Korean conflict. Mark was a paratrooper and was especially proud of his 48 parachute jumps. Mark was a true patriot and never passed Ol’ Glory without honoring its appropriate salute.

Mark worked in the oilfield industry for over 30 years. Upon retirement he started a small plumbing business, which he operated until 2017.

Mark accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior at Anchor of Hope in Christ Jesus and walked this journey the rest of his life. As a member of Anchor of Hope in Christ Jesus he was also baptized.

Mark was a “gentle giant” who enjoyed life and lived it to the fullest. He always expressed that “life is beautiful” and believed it should be enjoyed and not wasted. He enjoyed the company of his wife, family, and friends. Whenever the opportunity presented itself to host, he would take joy in preparing his favorite BBQ chicken and ribs with his secret BBQ sauce recipe. And of course his chili beans were always on the menu.

Mark enjoyed bringing people together and lit up the room with his presence. He was the beacon of light that brought out the best in people. He enjoyed participating in chili and menudo cook-off contests in the area and won several awards. Mark had a great sense of adventure, humor and loved to travel. He traveled extensively with his wife and family throughout the country and internationally. Mark always remembered and talked about how he enjoyed visiting Europe, the old world and the historical information gained from this visit. He enjoyed meeting people and learning about various cultures. He also had a passion for learning new cooking recipes and thoroughly enjoyed entertaining. A favorite of Mark’s was sports. In his younger years he participated in baseball, basketball and bowling. He was always ready to watch football, basketball, and boxing.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents, Maximo and Josepha Torres, his brother, Manuel Torres, his sisters, Lupe Tovar and Frances Valencia. His children, Lori and Mark Torres.

Mark is survived by his wife, Esther, his two sons, Maximo and Tim Torres. His stepchildren, Raymond Villareal and wife Terry, Stacy Villareal-Gaston, husband Anthony, and Monica Parra. He also enjoyed his many grand-children, great-grandchildren and his extended family.

The family would like to thank Dr. Fosbinder, Dr. Alam, Dr. Rosenthal, nurse Sue at Around the Clock, staff members at Mercy Hospital and our family that helped care for Mark during his most difficult days.