Jose Luis Torres

Jose (Joe) Luis Torres, 85, of Las Cruces, New Mexico, passed away on March 12, 2017. Joe was born in San Marcial, New Mexico on June 30, 1931 to Esteban Mascareas Torres and Dolorez Bernal Gonzales. Both Parents are deceased. Joe joined the US Army as a 17 year old teenager, and was assigned as a forward observer in the 77th Field Artillery B (77th FA Battalion) in the early phases of the Korean war. In addition to his military decorations and awards, he was awarded five bronze service stars for serving in some of the most horrific battles in the Korean War. One horrific battle he participated with the 77th Field Artillery was recorded in the Far East Stars and Stripes. It was after one of those battles that Joe visited his older brother, Cpl. Leovijildo (Toby) Torres, who was recovering from wounds received in action. Joe is survived by four children; Rita Bouvet, Louie, Ana and Mary Torres, and by five step children; Polly, Josie, Martha, Steven and Nancy Esquivel. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. By three brothers; Fermin F. Torres of Rincon, NM, Miguel Torres of Las Cruces, and Gilbert Torres of Fort Seldon, NM. Joe was predeceased by an infant daughter Mary Louise, his two wives, Ofelia Torres and Beatrice Lopez Torres. Also by two US Army Korean War brothers, Leovijildo (Toby) Torres and Esteban Torres Jr. Another brother Julian Torres, died in 1931 at the age of 7 years. On the historical level, Jose Luis is a descendant of five of Juan de Oate New Mexico 1598 conquistadors. Of the Diego de Vargas re-conquest in 1692-93, he is a descendant of the Portuquese family line, Jose Bernardo Mascareas and Maria de Ochoa who arrived with Don Diego de Vargas during that period. One of his ancestors Hernan Martin Serrano, a nineteen year old blacksmith apprentice and soldier, was with Cortes during the 1519-1523 conquest of Mexico. His great-great grand father, Diego Antonio Mascareas was a petitioner of the Spanish Land Grant, "La Sevilleta (an area located between Socorro and Belen), signed in 1819 by the last Spanish Governor in New Mexico, Facundo Melgares. Joe was a carpenter by trade and has resided in Las Cruces since 1953. Those who knew Joe will remember him as one who would give his shirt to another in need. He will be missed by all who knew him. Memorial services will be held for Mr. Torres at Getz Funeral Home, Thursday March 16th at 10:00AM, and a burial with full military honors will be at the National Cemetery at Fort Bliss, Texas at 1:30pm . PDF Printable Version Service Information
Thursday, March 16, 2017 10:00am,
Getz Funeral Home Chapel

1410 E. Bowman Ave
Las Cruces, New Mexico 88001






Interment Location

Fort Bliss National Cemetery

Address Not Available
El Paso, Texas