Humberto Torres

Humberto learned the value of hard work at a young age. By the age of 12, he was already working nights in a butcher shop and at an ice house. While attending Martin High School in Laredo, he balanced working nights with playing football and competing in track and field. He graduated from Martin High School in 1963.

In 1966, Humberto joined the United States Navy, where he served his country and traveled around the world. After leaving the Navy in 1969, he moved to San Antonio, Texas, and began his career with Southwestern Bell, where he remained a dedicated employee until his retirement.

Humberto was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing throughout his life, continuing to enjoy the outdoors until just a few months before his passing. For much of his adult life, he had a deer lease in the Texas Hill Country near Johnson City. He and his hunting friends cared for and cultivated the deer herd so well that a documentary was made about them and their work on the lease.

Humberto was also deeply generous and committed to helping others. For many years, he faithfully supported St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. He was an active member of the Southwestern Bell Pioneers, one of the largest industry-related volunteer organizations in the world, and at one point served as President.

His generosity extended far beyond organizations. Humberto gave to individuals in his community, often putting others before himself and thinking about what people needed. He donated blood regularly and proudly shared that his blood was so healthy it could be given to newborn babies. Not even the animals were left out of Humberto’s daily generosity. After Pasa passed away, he began feeding the neighborhood cats, then the birds, and eventually kept treats on hand for the neighborhood dogs. He lived with a giving spirit and a strong sense of responsibility to others.

There was never a kinder or more giving man than Humberto Torres. He made friends easily and maintained many close friendships throughout his life. For more than 40 years, he frequented the same taco restaurant almost daily, getting to know the owner and staff and becoming close friends with them. He had lifelong friends from Southwestern Bell, was active in his senior center and neighborhood, and had a way of making people feel known and valued. It would be hard to find anyone who did not like Humberto.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Raul and Ofelia Rodriguez; his sister, Gloria Ortegon; and his beloved dog, Pasa.

He is survived by his children, Humberto Torres Jr. and his wife, Ruby Torres, and Erica Lanyon and her husband, James Lanyon; his grandsons, Jared Torres, Jake Torres, and Grayson Lanyon; his sister, Diana Rodriguez; his brother, Raul Rodriguez; and many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive guests from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Friday, June 26, at Porter Loring Mortuary North, 2102 North Loop 1604 East, San Antonio, TX 78232. A memorial service will follow at 2:00 p.m.

Humberto will be remembered for his work ethic, his generosity, his love of the outdoors, his service to his country, and the many quiet ways he helped the people around him.