Jesus Manuel "Jesse" Torres

Jesus Manuel Torres was born July 8, 1937, in Jimenez, Chihuahua, Mexico, to Jesus and Luz (Salinas) Torres. He passed away Friday, August 28, 2015, in Whittier, California.



Jesse, as he was known by many, grew up on Prices Dairy Farm in Anthony, New Mexico. Living on the border of New Mexico and Texas, he attended elementary school in Canutillo, Texas, and then went to Gadsden High School in Anthony, New Mexico. Jesse joined the US Army on June 14, 1960, and later transferred to the Army Reserve.



On December 23, 1962, Jesse married the love of his life, Esther Diaz, in Juarez, Mexico. They made their home in Los Angeles, California, later moving to Lakewood, California, and then on to Santa Fe Springs, California, in 1985.



As a young man, Jesse worked for Kaiser Steel. He became a certified barber in 1969, but later joined the Laborers Union as a construction worker and the International Union of Operating Engineers. His career allowed him to heavily participate in the development of the city of Irvine, California. Jesse was able to retire in 1993.



Jesse enjoyed camping, fishing, and building knick knacks. He also had an ENORMOUS love for his family and especially liked playing with his grandkids. A devoted Catholic, Jesus attended St. John of God Church in Norwalk, California.



Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Esther Torres; son, Enrique (Sherry Jo) Torres; daughters, Rebecca, Carmen and Sylvia Torres; and grandchildren, Fernando Felix and Erik Vinicio Alvarez, Anthony Manuel, Andrew Gary, Phoenix Painter, and Christopher Daniel Torres. One great-grandson and one great-granddaughter are expected to arrive soon. Jesus was preceded in death by one daughter, Angelita Abby Torres.



Viewing will take place from 5-7pm on Wednesday, September 9, 2015, at White Emerson Mortuary, 13304 E. Philadelphia St., Whittier, California. A Vigil Service will immediately follow at 7pm. The following morning, Thursday, September 10, 2015, 11am, there will be a Catholic Prayer Service, also at White Emerson Mortuary. Private interment will take place at a later date in Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside, California.