Manuel Torrez

1934 - 2021

Manuel "Toro" Torrez, 86, of Greeley, passed away Monday morning, January 25, 2021 at Fairacres Manor after a short illness. He was born December 15, 1934 in Lamar, Colorado to Pedro and Antonia Torrez. Toro was raised and graduated from high school in Lamar. He married Betty Jo Sterling and they were together for 40 years. Toro was a member of St. Peter's Catholic Church. He served in the US Army Honor Guard and worked in the Army Newspaper at the Presidio in San Francisco. He worked for the Greeley Tribune for 26 years as a proofreader and shop foreman. He was a successful business owner in Greeley and operating Daylight Donuts on 9th Street, Langtrees Restaurant in downtown Greeley and Tazz's Restaurant Night Club. He also worked as a Security Officer for the Weld County courts and grounds. Toro enjoyed bowling and bowled on many teams through the years. He also played softball for many seasons. Toro's favorite hobby was making his lawn look impeccable. Toro and Betty enjoyed cruises and Hawaiian vacations in their time together. Toro is survived by his wife, Betty Jo Torrez; daughter, Debbie; son, Gilbert; step-son, Ken Sterling; sister, Alice Crespin of Hasty, Colorado; brother, Jesse Torrez of Colorado Springs, grandchildren, Weston Sterling, Norman Ok, Tomi Sterling Guevara and Little Axe Ok; several great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother and father and many sisters and brothers. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:30 a.m., Friday, January 29, 2021 at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Greeley, followed by Rite of Committal in Sunset Memorial Gardens at 2:00 p.m. Recitation of the Rosary will be 1:00 p.m., Thursday, January 28, 2021 at Stoddard Funeral Home. Please visit www. StoddardSunset.com to join Manuel's service via livestream. Memorial contributions may be made to the Weld County Human Society in care of Stoddard Funeral Home, 3205 West 28th Street, Greeley, Colorado 80634.