Andre Torres

Andre Pierre Torres, 83, of Lake Ozark, Missouri passed away on October 1st, 2025 at home. He was born March 14, 1942 in Algiers, Algeria to parents Francois Torres and Mathilde Gargori.
Andre was raised by his mother in French occupied Algeria. From a young age he took to cooking after watching his mother and trying to help as she was juggling two jobs. Andre joined the French Military as a paratrooper after school. When his service was done, he went to Culinary school where he graduated top of his class which would start a whirlwind of a career. After culinary school he would go on to work and live in over 9 countries including, Algeria, France, Switzerland, Netherlands, Tunisia, Kenya, Pakistan, Japan and finally the US. He also worked a cruise line where he crossed the Panama Canal over 20 times. During his career he would learn 9 languages and at one time was considered the Best French Chef in Japan and United States. Andre captained the Culinary Olympic Team in 1988. He would end up cooking for many celebrities, political figures, dignitaries and even Royalty. He notoriously turned down working for the King of Jordan to continue to work at Lake of the Ozarks. Andre was an artist and would display his art through his craft from designing and building entire buildings and villages with chocolate, or intricate ice carvings ranging from animals, artistic designs, to a 9 foot tall replica of Voltron. He thrived at bringing his culinary skills and knowledge to the area. He would mentor and lead many of his staff as they would end up having exceptional hospitality and culinary careers of their own. Andre was a member of Societe Culinaire Philanthropique, American Culinary Foundation, and Resort Food and Executives Committee.
On July 17, 1974, while they were living in Tokyo, Japan, he married the love of his life Anju Shah, (whom he met while working in Kenya) From Tokyo, they then moved to Los Angeles in 1977 where they had their First son Anand. In 1979 they would make Lake of the Ozarks their home. In 1996 he and his wife Anju opened "Andre's Restaurant at the Lake" which they and their 3 boys operated for 13 years.
Andre enjoyed cycling and football(soccer) when he was young. He also enjoyed reading, traveling, photography, duck hunting, learning new dishes and processes, teaching culinary, playing cards, dancing and anything social. He loved conversing with everyone, if you met him he would find out about your life and family and remember to ask about them the next time he saw you. But of all the things he enjoyed, his family was always first. From swimming with his boys, to taking walks, playing cards and just visiting with his grand kids. His face would always light up anytime he saw them.
Andre is survived by his sons, Jean-Christophe (Angela) and Pierre Francois, both of Lake Ozark. He is also survived by his three sisters: Rita Martin of Nimes, France; Jose (Guy) Cros of Caissargue, France; and Rose Marie (Lionel) Douillet of Saint Chaffrey, France. His grandchildren, Ellyana, Andre, Annika, and Zoe, of Lake Ozark. Amber Torres of Lake Ozark, mother to Ellyana and Andre, and step-grandson Landon of Osage Beach. Andre leaves behind several nieces and nephews.
Andre was preceded in death by his wife Anju. His son Anand. Daughter in Laws Nicole(Pierre) and Kourtney(Anand). His Grandson Elijah. Both his parents, and niece Audree(Jose).
Friends will be received on Sunday, October 12, 2025 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m., with a Eulogy at 2:00 p.m., at the Lodge of the Four Season-Granada Ballroom, 315 Four Seasons Drive, Lake Ozark, MO, 65049.
Arrangements are under the direction of Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Homes, 514 Highway 42, Osage Beach, MO 65065 (573) 348-3232. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.hedgesscottmillard.com.