Manuel Torres

Manuel Torres passed away peacefully on May 15, 2025, surrounded by family in Corpus Christi, Texas. He was 90 years old.
Born September 26, 1934, in Corpus Christi, Manuel was the youngest of seven children of Benito Carmona Torres and Manuela Ruiz. His late siblings were Benito, Ofelia, Sarah, Raul, Benjamin, and Crescencio.
Shortly after graduating from Roy Miller High School in Corpus Christi, Manuel joined the U.S. Army in 1954. During his three-year service he spent time in Fort Bliss, Texas; Richmond, Virginia; Seoul, South Korea; and White Sands, New Mexico. During his year in White Sands, he played on the Army's baseball team that competed against teams in New Mexico and Texas from other Army bases, colleges, and even prisons. With a powerful and accurate throwing arm, he played center field and catcher. He enjoyed the camaraderie of teammates, who included future Boston Celtics and NBA champion Sam Jones, a shortstop on Manuel's team. The team traveled to cities where Blacks were not welcomed in some restaurants. The only Hispanic on the team, Manuel chose to eat meals with his Black teammates, often in the back kitchen of the restaurant.
Manuel met his wife Esther in Mesilla, New Mexico, while serving at White Sands. They married in early 1958 and moved to Corpus Christi, where he worked for the U.S. Post Office. He retired from the Post Office at age 53 after more than three decades. During that time, he took great pride in serving the customers on his routes, many of whom he would recognize decades after delivering his last parcel in 1987.
Manuel enjoyed fixing and refinishing antique furniture. He and his wife Esther traveled to Houston, San Marcos, and elsewhere to buy furniture at auctions and estate sales, with Manuel often giving new life to antiques with his craftsmanship. He enjoyed watching the Houston Astros with his wife, Esther, in addition to watching and playing golf with his family and friends.
Manuel and Esther often hosted gatherings at their home in Corpus Christi, from dinner parties with fellow parishioners of Corpus Christi Cathedral, to holiday gatherings with family and friends. His barbecue and homemade salsa were a favorite during family get-togethers. To be close to granddaughters, he and Esther also lived in Katy, Texas, for 7 years, returning in 2024 to his hometown of Corpus Christi.
Manuel is survived by his wife of 67 years, Esther Holguin Torres, his four children, Patricia Ann Castillo (Joe), Lucinda Marie Torres (Brian Broome), Juliette Yvonne Torres (Daniel Boyne), and Michael Edward. Manuel leaves four beloved grandchildren, Ana Marisa Martinez (Mark), Andres Manuel Castillo, Mary Elizabeth Torres, and Mia Nicole Torres, and two great grandchildren, Milagro Athena Martinez and Melena Artemis Martinez.
A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, May 29, at 10:00 AM at the Emmanuel Chapel in Corpus Christi Cathedral, preceded by a Rosary at 9:30 AM. Following the church services, a reception will be held at Trinity Towers (101 N. Upper Broadway). A private family burial will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Manuel's memory to Corpus Christi Cathedral.
Manuel's kindness, generosity, and love for his family will continue to inspire all who knew him.