A truer cowboy you will be hard pressed to find. Joe was a cowboy’s cowboy: ruggedly handsome good looks, rough, weather beaten hands forged in hard work, and a community-minded spirit that had him involved in so many organizations. He had convictions that ran deep; if you knew him, you knew where he stood. He endured pressures and challenges that would crush an ordinary spirit, but Joe was battle-hardened and always persevered until his final battle with leukemia. 

Joe was the loyal son of Luis O. and Bernice T. Torres. He was born, raised and died in his beloved community of Arroyo Seco. He attended New Mexico State University and majored in Agriculture, after which he returned home and became the Agriculture and Welding teacher at Taos High. He would often point out his former students when  out in the community. He was known to challenge them to their limits. At home he managed the Hacienda de Los Torres ranch tending to the animals and harvesting the fields.

Joe was always quick with a joke, quick to debate, but also quick to help you. He was attentive to his family, and obliging to neighbors with anything they needed from breaking horses to tending lambs. He dedicated himself to his brothers in the Knights of Columbus and the Sheriff’s Posse. Tough from a life on the ranch, Joe was tender with little ones to whom he gravitated. 

He was loved by his family and his neighbors and his community. He is survived by Jared, his son and the pride of his life, Bernice his mother, Robert (Sara) his brother from Tuscon, David (Kristen) from Arroyo Seco, nieces Carrico Buschman (Luke and baby Evelina) and Shyann, nephews G. David (Taylor and Victoria), Austin, Brandon, and Canyon.  He now is catching up with his dad, Luis, in heaven in the presence of God. 

Rosary will be recited on Tuesday March 22, 2022 at 6pm at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Arroyo Seco. Mass of Christian burial will be on Wednesday March 23, 2022 at 10am also at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church with burial to follow at the Torres Family Cemetery.  

The family of Joseph M. Torres has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home of Taos.  www.devargastaos.com. 1-866-657-4019