85R10312 RMA-D
By: Blanco H.R. No. 484
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The city of El Paso lost an esteemed community
leader with the passing of Dr. Joseph Ernest Torres on February 5,
2017, at the age of 93; and
WHEREAS, Born in El Paso in 1923, Joseph Torres graduated
from El Paso High School in 1941 and attended the Texas College of
Mines and Metallurgy; he later worked as a recruiting agent with
Southern Pacific Railroad and as a trainee marine machinist in
Oakland, California; and
WHEREAS, In 1942, during World War II, Dr. Torres enlisted in
the U.S. Army Air Corps, and he served as an infantryman before
becoming a B-17 bombardier and navigator, flying 13 bombing
missions over Germany; in 1945, he began a two-year stint as a
lieutenant in the Army Air Corps Reserve; and
WHEREAS, After returning to civilian life, Dr. Torres
graduated with a bachelor's degree from CMM in 1948 and
subsequently earned his dental degree from Creighton University in
1952; he went on to serve in the Air Force Dental Reserve, attaining
the rank of colonel, before opening his own private practice as a
dental surgeon in El Paso; over the years, he contributed to his
profession as chair of the El Paso District Dental Society and the
West Texas Dental Society and as an advisor to the El Paso Community
College Dental Assistants Training program; and
WHEREAS, This proud veteran remained dedicated to his
comrades in arms long after his military service; he was a cofounder
of the Legacy of Valor and Vietnam Veterans Memorial organizations
and served as vice commander of the local chapter of the American GI
Forum; in recognition of his outstanding efforts, he was named an
honorary member of the 82nd Airborne Division Association, which
presented him with a Certificate of Appreciation for Meritorious
and Exemplary Performance in Support of International Freedom and
Peace; and
WHEREAS, Joseph Torres fought courageously in defense of his
nation and then returned to Texas to serve his community with equal
commitment, and he will long be remembered with great admiration
and affection by all who had the good fortune to know him; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Dr. Joseph Ernest
Torres and extend sincere condolences to all who mourn his passing;
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Joseph
Torres.