Ismael Torres Almanza

Ismael was born on June 17, 1933, in Hallsburg, Texas, to Juan C. Almanza and Adelaida Almanza. He graduated from West High School, and attended Alpine Junior College. He served in the Navy as a Patrol Squadron SEVEN and was stationed at many Navy Bases all over the world. He received the Good Conduct Medal and was trained in Aviation Supply AM2 VOL 1 GTC for PO’s, AC Hydraulics, and A/C Welding. He retired after more than 30 years as a truck driver and instructor for Central Freight Lines in Waco, Texas. Ismael was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church and the Waco Mission Recreational Club, where he played baseball for the Missions. He was an avid sports fan, enjoying football, baseball, college teams, racing, and fishing.

Ismael was a walking dictionary and had superior knowledge of past players and games. He never met a stranger and had many friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Manuel and Emiliano Almanza, and sister, Guadalupe A. Sanchez.

Survivors include his four children and spouses, daughter Rose Smart and her husband, Jerry, of Temple, TX, son, Richard Almanza and his wife, Evette of Bosqueville, TX, son, Michael Almanza and his wife, Rhonda of Waco, TX, and daughter, Linda Almanza and husband, Blake of Hewitt, TX, and grandson he raised, Anthony Lopez and wife, Jessica of Waco, TX. Sisters, Lorenza Sanchez, Mary Jesse Almanza of Waco, and Mary Hilda Navarro and husband, Raymond of Kyle, TX, 15 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren, stepchildren, Jimmy Lou Ochoa, Norma and Arthur Lozano of Waco, and a special granddaughter, Nituna Diaz of Gholson, TX, along with many nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 20, 2026, at St. Francis Catholic Church. Burial to follow in Waco Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with Rosary at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at Connally/Compton Funeral Directors.

Special thank you to Richard and Evette, who Daddy lived with and who took care of him daily. He loved living there and appreciated everything you did for him. The family would also like to thank his nurse, Shannon, for taking care of him.

Pallbearers: Mario Amaro, John Almanza, Chris Holley, Jacob Castillo, Josh Castillo, Anthony Lopez, II, Nick Nieves; Honorary Pallbearer: James Holley.