Joel Torres, Jr.

Joel Torres, Jr., 63, of Haskell, Texas passed away Monday morning, January 6, 2014 at Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 10, 2014 at Calvary Baptist Church in Haskell with Rev. Rocky Gonzales, Jr. officiating. Interment will follow the services at Willow Cemetery in Haskell under the direction of Smith Family Funeral Homes. Visitation is planned for Thursday evening, January 9 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home located at 304 N. 2nd Street.

Joel Torres was born December 9, 1950 in Levelland, Texas to Mary Helen (Villareal) and Joel Torres, Sr. He married Teresa Villalobos in Haskell on April 12, 1966. Teresa passed away August 7, 2008 after 42 years of marriage. Joel enjoyed hunting, fishing and anything to do with the outdoors. Loved old westerns and driving his truck.

Along with his wife, Teresa, Joel is preceded in death by his parents, Rocky and Mary Helen Gonzales; his father, Joel Torres, Sr.; and one brother, Bernie Gonzales.

Joel will be missed by many, but most importantly his 3 sons, Joel Torres, III and wife Jovita of Haskell, Louis Torres and wife Mary Bell of Bridgeport, Jason Torres and wife Amber of Rochester; 2 daughters, Sylvia Pace and husband William of Littlefield, Texas and Mali Torres of Lubbock; 12 grandchildren; 4 brothers, Ernest Torres, Rocky Gonzales, Jr., Benjamin Gonzales, Robert Gonzales; 3 sisters, Hilda Gonzales, Rachel Hernandez, and Silveria Gonzalez. Not to mention, many nieces, nephews and cousins. He will be grieved by all.

If desired, memorials can be given in Joel's name to Haskell County Relay for Life, c/o American Cancer Society, 3808 Kemp, Suite B-400, Wichita Falls, TX 76308 or American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312.