George Torres

George had an outgoing personality along with a very strong work ethic, accounting for his successes in life. He spent most of his days working to provide opportunity for his family. He was passionate about teaching his children the value of hard work and persistence.

George was a proud American who served in the U.S. Army from 1951-1953 where he was wounded in the Korean War. Sgt. George Torres' actions earned him the Purple Heart, Bronze Star and the Combat Infantry Badge. It should be noted, while George's heart and soul belonged to the USA, he never forgot his Mexican heritage and celebrated it proudly.

In 1953, George returned to Houston to marry his sweetheart Mary Escalante and began his career at Askman Distributing (which later became Hillman Distributing). He held various positions at Hillman Distributing during his 33 year career and retired as Manager of Field Operations. There was never a time though when George wasn't also involved in other business ventures. He was a self-taught and self-made entrepreneur.

Though George loved a great real-estate deal, his proudest business accomplishment was starting his own restaurant. In 1971, he opened El Gallo Mexican Restaurant in the Spring Branch neighborhood of Houston. This would be a pivotal time for his family as he worked to make it a great success. The restaurant still flourishes today. Many customers became his closest friends and though he had long since retired, he is asked about daily. George was aware of this and grateful for all of those friends and guests.

In 1973, George and Mary purchased acreage in Hempstead, TX which would later become the family farm. His sons spent many weekends with their dad working cattle, bailing hay and doing general maintenance on the land and house. This was George's way of forming character in his boys. George and Mary loved entertaining and many great memories were made at the farm.

George was also active in his community as a member of St. Cecilia Catholic Church. He was a past board member of the Spring Woods High School Booster Club. Additionally, his life memberships included Knights of Columbus, LULAC Dist. 8 and The Gavel Club of the American Legion.

George was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Mary, eldest son Gregory, granddaughter Abigail, his parents and many of his fifteen siblings. He is survived by his children Barbara, Phillip (Amy), Bonnie (David) Tresch, Patrick (Michelle), MaryAlice (John) MacDonald, Fabian (Leslie) and Jeanette (Mark) Pappas. He is also survived by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren Greg (Lisa), Zachary, Jordan, Evan, Tori, Hannah, Joshua, Nathan, Robert, Gregory, Julia, Adam, Mary, Gavin, Emma, Chloe, Phillip, Olivia, Addison, Caleb and Audrey.

George's family would like to thank his caregivers over the last several months, Vitas Hospice Care and the many friends and family who visited him during his illness.

Funeral arrangements are as follows:

Tuesday, Oct. 10 Visitation at 6:00 PM, Rosary at 7:00 PM

Memorial Oaks Funeral Home

Wednesday, Oct. 11 Funeral Mass at 11:30 AM

St. Cecilia Catholic Church

11720 Joan of Arc Dr.

Houston, TX 77024

Interment following Mass at Woodlawn Cemetery, 8010 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77055

Reception following interment at Guadalajara Hacienda, 9799 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77024.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Cecilia Catholic Church, 11720 Joan of Arc, Houston, TX 77024