Alejandro Torres

Born in Uvalde, Texas, on December 23, 1938, to Antonia and Eutemio Torres, Sr., Alejandro grew up surrounded by a large, loving family. He remained in Uvalde until he entered the United States Army, beginning a distinguished 20-year military career as an Army Medic. His service took him around the world to posts including Pirmasens, Germany; Fort Belvoir, Virginia; Fort Bliss in El Paso; Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio; and Fort Riley, Kansas.

Alejandro completed two tours in Vietnam—first from 1966–1967 as a medic with the 25th Infantry Division, and again from 1969–1970 in Receiving and Evacuation with the 81st Evacuation Hospital, where he treated hundreds of wounded soldiers. His bravery and dedication to his fellow service members earned him the Bronze Star.

Two weeks after arriving for duty in Germany, Alejandro met Erika Lenzmann, who would become his wife of 43 years until her passing in 2002. Married in 1958, they raised two sons, Richard and Raymond, and built a family grounded in love, resilience, and service.

Following his retirement from the Army, Alejandro pursued his BSN degree and began a second meaningful career in nursing. He worked at the Burn Unit at Fort Sam Houston before joining the dialysis team at Santa Rosa Hospital, where he served with compassion and skill until his retirement in 2001.

In 2003, Alejandro married Sulema Mirelez, a childhood family friend. Over their 22 years of marriage, they celebrated life fully traveling, dancing, volunteering with Meals on Wheels, and enjoying the company of family and friends.

Alejandro was preceded in death by his parents, Antonia and Eutemio Sr.; his brothers Valentin, Eutemio Jr., and Gilbert Torres Sr.; his sisters Julia Guzman and Andrea Moreno; his grandson Matthew Torres; and dear lifelong friends Helen Hart, Dave Kneupper, and Christine and George Wall Sr.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Sulema; his children Richard (Rick) and Mary Torres, Raymond (Goat) and Yvonne Torres, Roland and Silvia Romo, and Laura and Paul Rodriguez; grandchildren Christina Schroeder, Erica and Nathaniel Lundgren, Nicholas and Abigail Castro, Melissa Obregon, Alyssa Rodriguez, Breana and Miguel Maldonado, and Ryan Romo; great-grandchildren Madison Schroeder, Parker Schroeder, Emily Lundgren, Eli Castro and Illyanna Castro; and sisters Elida Moreno and Antonia Rios.

Alejandro’s extended family and friends were a source of great joy. He leaves behind many loved ones in Uvalde and San Antonio, Texas; sister-in-law Rosemarie Lenzmann and niece Manuela Ramella of Kempten, Germany; the Keith Wall family of Huntsville, Texas; the Diane Galownia family of Conroe, Texas; and the George Wall Jr. family of Devine, Texas.

Honorary Pallbearers are Nic Castro, James Deaven, Raul Gonzalez, Ramon Hosein, Jesse Moreno, Tony Moreno, Paul Rodriguez, and Robert Sipos.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the home health assistance provided by Cathryn Thompson and Sara Ruiz, along with the compassionate staff of Crest Hospice and Wholehearted Senior Living at Oakwell for their dedicated care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Disabled American Veterans.

Alejandro “Al” Torres will be remembered for his service, his strength, and his deep love for family. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched.