Alejandro Vargas Torres "Smiley"

Alejandro Vargas Torres "Smiley", 54, was called home on November 13, 2021 comforted in the presence of his beloved family. His strong presence and amazing personality will be missed dearly. We were blessed and honored to have him in our lives.

Born January 11, 1967 in Mexico to Humberto and Soledad Torres. Alejandro was raised on a ranch, "La Purísima de Soledad," named after his mother. Humble origins and proud roots to Abasolo, Guanajuato were forever engrained. Alex moved to the United States at seven and grew up in Earlimart, California.

Alejandro's story is about a man who left a mark in this world. A tall, charming man, well respected, admired, and a force in everything he pursued. Artistic, skilled, and full of pride for culture and his heritage. A man with an unquestionable love for all his family.

Alex began working as a newspaper boy at nine and devoted his Sundays as an alterboy for St. Jude’s Catholic Church in Earlimart at a young age. He maintained that work ethic to help his mother throughout gradeschool while also putting money aside from each paycheck. Proudly, at sixteen he purchased his first car, "Blue Crickett," a special milestone for him, he later renamed the car, "Vicious Cat." He enjoyed working on it and gained knowledge in auto-motives, this sparked a career in mechanics. Alex graduated Delano High School where he then met his highschool sweetheart Hilda, of thirty-eight years. They started a family early on in love, welcoming four girls. Relentless Adversity as a child motivated strong family values and bonds to model for his girls. A devoted and protective father to his daughters Alexandria, Clarissa, Veronica, and Corina he prioritized education while involving them in his pastimes. Compadres and close friends shared the same passion for custom cars, culture, and creativity leading to form a car club. The club hosted many car events while also fundraising for community organizations. Proud to have his girls by his side, Smiley's love for cars was instilled in his daughters from the lavish artwork painted on exteriors, hydraulic systems, down to their swivel upholstered seats, they participated in many Carshow events as a family throughout the years.

Skills gained through experience led to a career in auto mechanics from working at Delano Tire Shop in the late 80s; he excelled in automotives for Toyota of Visalia, then Razavi. Smiley's confidence, knowledge, and charming whit advanced his career to management in the Service Dept. for many years for Delano Motors Chrysler. Customers loved him and sought out his honest advice and expertise. You could always find him underneath a hood in the backyard doing side work to help family or friends outside of work. His wife often sent the girls out back to call him in for dinner; they'd find him underneath a car in any type of weather. Alex took pride in any work he put his hands on. He finished his career working for Bill’s Chevron in Delano. During spare time he enjoyed mentoring family or friends he felt had drive by passing on valuable insight and skills he acquired throughout his life. In later years, upgrades and maintenance to his family home kept him busy. His particular picky approach to specific projects had him running the show. Although it may sound cliché, Alex certainly made a lasting impact in many people's lives.

Alejandro was one of five brothers and one sister; though all very different they together share a unique journey, resilent upbringing, and love for their mother "Chole," who tie them together.

Alex's proudest accomplishment in life has always been raising and growing his own family, with his wife Hilda. In his last weeks on earth, he shared with eldest daughter "What a woman your mom is, I'm a lucky man to have her by my side all these years' throughout everything we have been through." Cherished memories made throughout the years going on random outings up to the mountains, cruising the coast, or the many family barbecues will always be treasured. Football often brought everyone together, whether it was spent yelling at the screen or memorable times attending games. Smileys avid diehard love, from the time he was a boy, for the Los Angeles Rams was shared with his family and continues on.

A special appreciation for life was deeply felt when Alex got the title Grandpa "DAD" his most loved role. Blessed with seven grandchildren his legacy. He formed a special bond with each one Andi, Carmelita, Boy, Nichs, Zach Attack, Drina, and Carlita whom he adored. Smileys grandkids were his heart and joy. He took great pride in being able to offer guidance and wisdom to them as he admirably watched them grow. Notably he would tell his eldest grandsons "You're gonna be the man of the House," as they looked to him as their role model. His tireless love and devotion to family were evident in all chapters of his life.

Alex is survived by his wife, Hilda Torres; aunt Ofelia Morales Alamilla, his four daughters Alexandria Torres "Alex"(his jr.); Clarissa Torres "Chicky"(Rex Lagunsad); Veronica Torres "Vero" (Edgar Pollorena); and Corina Gabrielle Torres "Cor". His brother Domingo Torres, only sister Olga Quezada, brother Marcelino Torres and brother Robert Torres; Seven Grandchildren Andria Martinez, Camille Martinez, Nicholas Lagunsad, Scarlett Lagunsad. Josh Pollorena, Zachary Pollorena, and Audrina Pollorena along with several nieces, nephews, and godchildren.

Alex is preceded in death by his father Humberto Torres Camacho, beloved mother Soledad Vargas Morales; and brother Silvestre Torres.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, December 7, 2021 from 4:00PM to 6:00 PM at Delano Mortuary, 707 Browning Rd., Delano, CA 93215. Following a ROSARY and Remembrance TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2021 at 4:00 PM, 707 Browning Rd., Delano, CA 93215. A Mass of Christian burial will occur WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2021 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at St. Mary's of the Miraculous Medal Parish, 916 Lexington St., Delano, CA 93215.

ALEX will take his "LAST CRUISE" and be laid to rest on WEDNESDAY, December 8, 2021 from 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM at North Kern District Cemetery, 627 Austin St., Delano, CA 93215.

Following a Gathering to commemorate and celebrate his Life.

(A special thank you to Richard Lopez for his beautiful work recreating the "Vicious Cat," and letting Smiley lowride one last time in style)

Serving as pallbearers are Roberto Torres, Domingo Torres, Humberto Torres, Marc Torres Valdez, Manuel Torres Quezada, Gil Rivas jr., Edgar Pollorena, Rex Lagunsad and Gerald Alvarez.

(Thank You for Honoring our Father)

Everyone who knew him is asked to celebrate Smiley's life and accomplishments. Share any fond memories/stories or pictures you have. These may be shared at www.delanomortuary.com for the Torres Family. Services entrusted to Delano Mortuary, a Dignity Memorial provider.