John Torres

CSM John B. Torres (Retired), Was born September 29, 1947 in Llano Quemado, Taos, NM to the late Jacobo and Manuelita Torres. He served his country and state proudly in the US Army and the New Mexico Army National Guard and retired after 33 years of dedicated service. He served in Korea with HHC 2^nd Bn 9^th Infantry Division.  Upon his discharge from active duty, He joined the New Mexico Army National Guard where he served in numerous units as an Active Guard and Reserve (AGR) soldier, starting with 4/200 ADA (Duster) Bn, 5/200 ADA (Roland) Bn, 6/200 ADA (Chaparral/Stinger Under Armor Bn) 7/200ADA (Hawk) Bn, 1/202 Artillery Bn, 1/200 Inf. Bn, 93d Troop and his last assignment was with Headquarters and Headquarters State Area Command (STARC).  He retired in January of 2007 as the Command Sergeant Major for the State of New Mexico. While serving his country, he received the Legion of Merit Medal, The Meritorious Service Medal, the War on Terrorism Medal, the Korean Defense Service Medal and numerous other medals, awards, and honors. 

He loved his soldiers and always looked after their wellbeing. Soldier care was at the forefront of everything he did. He will be in the hearts of those that were closest to him, the Taos Connection as his carpool was known. 

Upon his retirement John and the love of his life Concha designed, built, and ran the Monte Bello RV Park. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and talking to the customers and numerous friends that would stop by for coffee and friendly conversation. Family was the most important thing in the world to him. His eyes would light up when he spoke of Concha, Shawn, Leilani and all his grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his father Jacobo Torres, mother Manuelita Torres, paternal grandparents Juan Bautista and Francisquita Gonzales, maternal grandparents Julian and Eulogia Torres, brother Julian Torres and sister-in-law Mabel Torres, brother Joe Ignacio Torres and sister-in-law Virginia Torres. John is survived by his beloved wife Concha Torres, brother Jake Elden Torres, brother-in-law Felix Santistevan, son Shawn Torres (Nadine) of Albuquerque, NM, daughter Leilani Montaño (John) of Arroyo Seco, NM, grandsons Shawn A. Torres (Catalina) of Las Vegas, NV, Alex Torres (Kynadie) of Portales, NM, Johnny Montaño of Arroyo Seco, NM, Dominic Montaño (Daniela) of Arroyo Seco NM, great-grandson Giovanni Torres of Las Vegas, NV, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, godchildren, relatives, and friends. 

Services will be held in his honor on Thursday, April 18th at San Francisco de Asís Catholic Church in Ranchos de Taos. The rosary will begin at 9:00am followed by the Mass of Christian burial at 10:00am.

A graveside service with full Military Honors will be held at the Angel Fire Veteran’s Cemetery on Friday, April 19^th at 1:00pm.  

The family of John B. Torres has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home of Taos.  866-657-4019 www.devargastaos.com