Bill Torres

Bill Marcello Torres, 95, of Pryor, passed away on Wednesday, February 19, 2020 at his home. He was born on July 4, 1924 in Tulsa, Oklahoma; the son of Fidel and Felicita Torres. He joined the Navy in 1943 and was on the USS Hornet Aircraft carrier. He was a veteran of World War II. He loved his country and was very proud of his time served. He was married to Roberta (Honey) Stewart on January 3, 1946. They moved to Salina in 1972, where they raised their family. Bill retired from McDonald Douglas after 30 years of service. Bill was an industrial painter most of his life and loved telling the story of when he painted the Space Needle in Washington. He made many friends over the years drinking coffee and having breakfast at local cafes especially East Side Café, where he was pampered by all the staff and almost never had to pay for his meals. They took great care of him. Bill’s birthday was always a large family celebration that he looked forward to every year that was celebrated on July 4th. Bill was a very giving man and loved being able to donate to all kinds of charities. He also loved watching westerns and professional wrestling. Bill was also an avid reader, tending to his yard, and enjoyed painting all his lawn ornaments blue. He was a member of many organizations. He was a wonderful dad and grandfather (Little Papa) who loved his family dearly.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, February 24, 2020 in the First Free Will Baptist Church in Pryor with Reverend Rusty Harrison officiating and Pastor Brian Drywater. Burial will follow in the Ross – Mayes Cemetery with Mike Parker, Jamie Parker, Danny Littlefield, Jr., Kevin Pritchett, Jr., Patrick Madsen, Toni Charles serving as casket bearers. Honorary casket bearers Justin Charles, Jessie Ailey, Jade Ailey, Katie Jackson, Danette Jackson, Dawn Didonato, Heather Trimble, and Ashley Madsen. Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 23, 2020 at Shipman’s Funeral Home. To leave his family a message, please visit his Tribute Wall at www.shipmansfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shipman’s Funeral & Cremation Service.

Bill is survived by his sons, James Marcello Torres of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, Billy Ray Torres and wife Joann of Sterling Heights, Michigan and, daughters, Jan Littlefield and husband Danny of Pryor, Oklahoma; Marsha Parker of Salina, Oklahoma; Doris Madsen and husband Bill of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Judy Pritchett and husband Kevin of Pryor, Oklahoma, and Jane Ailey of Salina, Oklahoma; and Freddie Stewart and wife Pam of Spavinaw, Oklahoma, 13 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren and many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his wife, Roberta Torres; parents, Fidel and Felicita Torres; and his six siblings.