In Loving Memory of David M. Torres

May 8, 1955 – September 27, 2026

A Life of Faith, Love, Laughter, and an Unforgettable Legacy

David M. Torres was born on May 8, 1955, in San Antonio, Texas, to the late Felix Torres and Elvira Montana. One of ten children, David grew up surrounded by the love, laughter, and companionship of his four brothers and five sisters. His upbringing instilled in him the importance of family, loyalty, and hard work, values he would carry throughout his life.

David attended John F. Kennedy High School in San Antonio, where his natural athletic ability and love for baseball became an important part of his younger years. A gifted athlete, David possessed a passion for sports that would remain with him throughout his life and eventually become one of the many ways he touched the lives of others.

A Life of Faith and Family

David's faith in God was a guiding presence throughout his life. Although he did not attend church every Sunday, his belief never wavered. He understood the importance of giving his children a foundation rooted in faith, values, and education.

He shared 18 years together with Diana Gutierrez, 16 of those years in marriage, and together they built a family, raised their children, and created a lifetime of cherished memories. Though their journeys eventually took different paths, the foundation of family, mutual respect, and enduring care remained a meaningful part of their lives.

Together, David and Diana worked tirelessly to provide their children with a Catholic education from early childhood through high school. It was one of the many sacrifices they made out of love and a deep commitment to their children's future.

A Legacy Built on Excellence

As a young man, David discovered his calling in the heating and air conditioning industry. What began as learning a trade developed into a lifelong profession spanning decades. Known for his remarkable work ethic, knowledge, and dedication, David worked with several prominent companies throughout San Antonio before establishing his own business.

Over the decades, David built and sustained his business without advertisements, mailings, or promotional campaigns. His reputation was his greatest advertisement. Through word of mouth, satisfied customers, and an unwavering commitment to doing things right, he earned the trust and loyalty of countless people throughout San Antonio.

He believed that treating customers with honesty, respect, and fairness was the foundation of a successful business. His philosophy was simple: customer satisfaction is number one priority. That principle guided his work throughout his life.

One of his proudest accomplishments was sharing his knowledge and profession with his son, David Torres Jr. Together, they built more than a business relationship. They shared a passion for their craft, a commitment to excellence, and a special father-and-son bond rooted in the work they both loved.

David remained dedicated to his profession until the age of 70, leaving behind a legacy of skill, determination, and hard work.

A Father's Legacy, A Son's Reflection

From the earliest years of his life, David Torres Jr. looked to his father as his protector, his role model, and the man he hoped to become. As a young boy, he sought every opportunity to make his father proud, carrying an admiration that would only deepen as the years passed.

As he grew into adulthood, David Jr. chose to follow in his father's footsteps, embracing the same heating and air conditioning trade that had defined so much of his father's life. What began as a son's desire to be just like his dad developed into a shared passion, a remarkable partnership, and a legacy passed from one generation to the next.

David instilled in his son the values that shaped his own character: discipline, perseverance, resilience, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to hard work. But as the years went by, something equally beautiful happened. The student became a teacher in his own right. David Jr. developed exceptional skills and knowledge, even introducing his father to new techniques and perspectives. Their relationship became one of mutual admiration, where both men continued to learn from and inspire one another.

With every passing year, their bond grew stronger. Through shared experiences, countless conversations, long days of work, and unforgettable memories, they built a relationship rooted in trust, respect, loyalty, and unconditional love. David took tremendous pride not only in his son's accomplishments but in the man he had become.

And through it all, David Jr. made certain his father never had to question how deeply he was loved, appreciated, and admired.

In his son, David saw more than the continuation of his profession. He saw the reflection of his own strength, determination, and character, carried forward by a man who had made his father's legacy his own.

Their bond was truly one of a kind, a connection that time could strengthen but could never diminish.

A father's greatest legacy is not simply what he leaves behind, but who he inspires his children to become. In David Jr., that legacy lives on.

A Coach, A Father, An Unbreakable Bond

Beyond his professional accomplishments, David had an extraordinary passion for softball and coaching. From local city leagues to the national level, he dedicated countless hours to mentoring young athletes, teaching not only the fundamentals of the game but also the importance of discipline, perseverance, teamwork, and believing in oneself.

Among his most treasured experiences was coaching his daughter, Desire. Together, they shared a father-and-daughter, coach-and-player journey that was truly one of a kind. What began on the softball field grew into an extraordinary relationship built on trust, admiration, respect, and unconditional love. Through every practice, every game, every victory, and every challenge, they created a bond that extended far beyond the field and only grew stronger with time.

Their shared love for the game became part of a lifelong connection, one that no circumstance could ever diminish and no one could ever break. David was more than her coach; he was her mentor, her protector, her greatest supporter, and, above all, her dad.

The games may have ended, but the bond they built will remain unbreakable, a love and legacy that time itself can never take away.

A Grandfather's Greatest Blessings

Of all the titles David carried throughout his lifetime, few brought him greater pride and happiness than being a grandfather. His three grandchildren, SirQuincey, Mardesja, and Serenity, each held a special and irreplaceable place in his heart. They were three beautiful blessings who brought him immeasurable joy, each in their own extraordinary way.

The day his first grandchild, SirQuincey, entered the world, David discovered a happiness unlike anything he had ever known. From that moment forward, SirQuincey became the apple of his eye. He was Grandpa's pride and joy, spoiled with endless affection, protected with unwavering devotion, and loved beyond measure. As SirQuincey grew, David became not only his grandfather but also his mentor, protector, and teacher. Just as he had shared his knowledge of the heating and air conditioning trade with his son, David later passed that same wisdom on to his grandson, ensuring that the skills, values, and legacy he spent a lifetime building would continue into another generation.

Then came his granddaughter, Mardesja, who brought another beautiful dimension of love into his life. To David, she was perfect just as she was. As his family came to understand her disability and the unique ways she experienced the world, his love for her never changed. Instead, his patience, compassion, and understanding grew even deeper. He recognized that some children needed the world to meet them with greater kindness, patience, and protection, and he was determined to be that source of strength for her. He believed in her abilities, celebrated her accomplishments, and wanted her to experience every opportunity life had to offer. One of his greatest blessings was witnessing Mardesja graduate from high school and receive her diploma, a milestone that filled his heart with tremendous pride. Through her, David demonstrated that unconditional love sees possibilities rather than limitations.

And then came Serenity, his son's daughter, the beautiful final piece that completed his circle of grandchildren. She brought a special light into David's world, filling his days with laughter, curiosity, and unexpected adventures. Bright, inquisitive, and never short on questions, Serenity had a way of keeping Grandpa on his toes and drawing him outside his comfort zone. Her remarkable intelligence never ceased to amaze him. He delighted in her curiosity, admired her quick mind, and treasured the special connection they shared. She brought him a joy that was uniquely her own.

Although each grandchild held a different place in David's journey, the love he had for all three was equally immeasurable. SirQuincey gave him the joy of becoming a grandfather, Mardesja revealed the extraordinary depth of his patience and unconditional love, and Serenity filled his world with a renewed sense of wonder and laughter.

Three grandchildren. Three extraordinary bonds. Three beautiful pieces of his heart.

David was their protector, their teacher, their biggest supporter, and their greatest cheerleader. He celebrated their differences, encouraged their dreams, and loved each of them for exactly who they were.

He may have taught them lessons about life, but through loving them, he showed the world what it truly meant to be a grandfather. His love will remain a part of who they are, and his legacy will live on through each of them for generations to come.

A Life Filled with Joy

Beyond his remarkable work ethic, David knew how to enjoy life. In his younger years, he was known as the life of the party, with a magnetic personality, infectious laughter, and an unforgettable talent for dancing. His moves were so impressive that he once appeared on a live television dance segment, a memory he proudly and humorously shared for years afterward.

David's love for sports remained with him throughout his life. A devoted Dallas Cowboys fan and an enthusiastic supporter of the San Antonio Spurs, he enjoyed the excitement of the game and, even more, the opportunity to share those experiences with family.

His son made it a priority to share Spurs games with him through season tickets, creating treasured father-and-son memories.

David also maintained his lifelong love for women's softball. Among his cherished experiences was a trip to Austin with his daughter, Desire, and his partner, Mari, to watch the University of Texas women's softball team compete in a championship game. Sitting together behind home plate, they shared an unforgettable experience celebrating a sport he loved so dearly.

He enjoyed spending time with friends, going out, and dancing with Mari. Whether surrounded by family, enjoying a sporting event, or sharing laughter with friends, David had a way of making ordinary moments unforgettable.

A Special Chapter of His Life

In the later chapter of David's life, he shared a meaningful companionship with his partner, Mari Flores. Over the years, they created cherished memories together, whether dancing the night away with friends, exploring familiar and new places throughout San Antonio, or simply enjoying one another's company. Their time together brought moments of happiness, laughter, and companionship that became part of David's journey.

During some of his most difficult days, Mari was present, offering companionship and support when it was needed. His family extends heartfelt gratitude to her for the time they shared and for being there during a challenging chapter of his life.

We will always be grateful.

A Brilliant Mind and a Remarkable Heart

David was a man of remarkable intelligence and endless curiosity. He took a genuine interest in the world around him, keeping up with current events, politics, science, history, and sports. From the latest headlines on CNN to the weather forecast, he seemed to have an answer for everything. His family often turned to him for his knowledge, insight, and perspective.

Yet for all his intelligence and accomplishments, David remained humble and approachable. Those who knew him described him as one of a kind: honest, dependable, courteous, polite, genuine, and always full of life.

He was a protector, a provider, a mentor, and a friend. His beautiful smile, contagious laugh, and unmistakable sense of humor will forever be remembered by those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Above all, David treasured his family. To his children, he was a source of strength, guidance, protection, and unconditional love. To his grandchildren, he was an extraordinary grandfather whose love and presence created memories they will carry forever.

Forever Cherished

David was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Felix Torres and Elvira Montana.

He leaves to cherish his memory his daughter, Desire G. Torres; his son, David Torres Jr.; his beloved grandchildren, SirQuincey J. Davis Torres, Mardesja C. Harris, and Serenity R. Gomez; and his partner, Mari Flores.

He is also survived by his four brothers, George Torres, Carlos Torres (Rosie Torres), Felix Torres Jr. (Shirley Torres), and Richard Torres; and his five sisters, Alice Rodriguez (Robert Rodriguez Sr.), Lucy Rivas (Rey Rivas), Vangie Montoya, Virginia DeLaRosa (Tony DeLaRosa), and Helen Buckelew.

His memory will also be treasured by a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

A Legacy of Love and Genuine Kindness

Perhaps David's greatest gift was not simply what he accomplished, but how he made others feel. In his presence, people felt safe, loved, welcomed, and valued. He was the kind of man whose word carried meaning, whose friendship was sincere, and whose loyalty never needed to be questioned.

To know David was to know genuine kindness. He offered friendship without expectation, compassion without hesitation, and a sense of comfort that made others feel they could always count on him.

His legacy lives not only in the business he built, the athletes he coached, or the family he loved so deeply, but in the countless hearts he touched simply by being himself.

David's life was not measured simply by the years he lived, but by the lives he touched, the lessons he taught, the laughter he shared, and the love he gave so freely.

His hardworking hands may now rest, but the legacy he built will continue through his children, grandchildren, and every person fortunate enough to have known him.

A devoted father. An extraordinary grandfather. A gifted craftsman. A beloved coach. A man of remarkable character.

His presence will be deeply missed, his memory forever treasured, and his love carried in our hearts for generations to come.