Yancey Torrez

1923 - 2015

Yancey B. Torrez of Waukegan, IL died on October 29, 2015 in Libertyville, IL. He was born on February 1, 1923 to Mariano and Maria Torrez in Lorraine, TX living in a railroad boxcar. He moved to Waukegan in 1929 at the age of 5, being among the first Mexican families in Lake County, IL He served in the Navy during World War II and attained rank of Seaman First Class with an Honorable Discharge. In 1950, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. wherein he achieved the rank of Staff Sgt. receiving an Honorable Discharge in 1954. While on leave and by happenstance, he met the love of his life, Amalia Arenas who he wed on November 29, 1952 in Waukegan, IL, celebrating over 62 years of marriage. From this union six children were born, who survive him, Rafael Torrez, Martha Valle, Henry "Rick" Torrez, (Mildred), Yolanda Torrez (Jose "Joe" Zuniga), Edward Torrez (Andrea Terry) and Hector Torrez. He is survived by ten grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, six brothers and sisters, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was very proud of his family and their achievements and spoke often and highly of them Yancey was an outgoing, affable person who made many friends from different ages and all walks of life. To celebrate his 90th birthday, a call out for birthday cards resulted in over 260 birthday cards from all over the world. He enjoyed very much hanging out at the Waukegan downtown McDonald's each morning, inspiring the workers and chatting with his coffee klatch buddies. He enjoyed music, woodworking and photography. He was still driving at the age of 92. One activity he was most proud and humbled to be a part of was the Marine Corp League Detachment 801, Lake County, IL. There he participated in parades, honor duty, funeral ceremonies and other activities. He knew he could depend on them and they knew the true meaning of "No man left behind". Yancey shared with his family and friends the early years of Waukegan. He was a civic and patriotic citizen who was always working for a better community. Working with the Kirk Park Neighborhood Association for better neighborhoods. Being a founding member of Comite Festejo Mexicanos he worked to support new immigrants in their assimilation yet maintain the Mexican culture. In fact he was instrumental in organizing the first Mexican Independence parade and celebrations. As a Mexican-American veteran he joined the American G.I. Forum a group to help and promote education for Mexican-American veterans and their family. He was involved and supportive of various other veterans group. Through these activities, he has met Governors, Lt. Governors, Senators, State Senators and other dignitaries. He even attend a Governor's Inaugural Ball. His life was an example for his children and many have followed in his footsteps to work for a better community. He worked at Abbott Laboratories and Midland Dexter from where he retired. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mariano and Maria Torrez, two brothers, Rafael Torrez and Richard Torrez, two grandchildren, Rafael Torrez, Jr. and Christina Torrez and his son-in-law, Juan J. Valle. Visitation 4-9 PM Thursday at Marsh Funeral Home and 9-10 AM Friday at Most Blessed Trinity, 450 Keller Ave. Waukegan, Il. Mass 10 AM Friday November 6, 2015 at Most Blessed Trinity, Burial Ascension Cemetery.