Gaston O. De La Torre

Gastón Oscar de la Torre, age 77, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away on Friday, August 16, 2024, at Caring Hearts and Hands of Columbia.
He was born on November 8, 1946, in Havana, Cuba, the son of Jose Ramón "Pepe" and Clemencia Aracely (Arango) de la Torre. He was married to Jeanette Pearl Fridley at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Warrensburg, Mo., on May 20, 1968 – so began their lifelong adventure, constantly blessed in countless ways.
Gastón graduated high school in Bound Brook, New Jersey in 1964. He attended Central Missouri State College in Warrensburg earning a BA in 1968 and later an MPA in 1981 from the University of Missouri. He joined the U.S. Army in 1969 and served with the 8th Infantry Division in West Germany as a Redeployment Officer. Later he worked for the State of Missouri with the Human Rights Commission, the Office of Administration, the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Conservation for a total of 30 years.
Gastón worshipped at St. Peter Catholic Church and volunteered with the church, Knights of Columbus, El Puente, St. Vincent dePaul Society, the American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity and Mobility Worldwide in Columbia. He belonged to an ecumenical Bible Study group of friends. He was grateful for every opportunity to serve others in need, especially if he was able to serve with his best friend, Jeanette.
Survivors include his wife and their children, Carla Powderly (John) of St. Charles, Mo. and Nicholas de la Torre (Nicole) of Overland Park, Ks.; eight grandchildren, Drew (Emily) and Sofia Quintana, Hannah Wilson, Oscar, Vincent, Lucas, Elija and Evalina de la Torre; one great grandson, Benjamin Gastón Quintana; as well as his sister-in-law, Marta F. Araoz de la Torre; his brother-in-law, Norvel E. Fridley; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and countless friends.
Gastón was preceded in death by his infant sister, Rosa Maria; his parents; his brother, José de la Torre II.
He used to say, "As I look back, it is easy to see the Hand of God guiding and keeping me from straying and keeping me from harm even when I purposely tried to ignore Him!" He encourages those who knew him to "rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the Will of God in Christ Jesus, for you."
Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m., Saturday, August 24, 2024, at St. Peter Catholic Church, 216 Broadway, Jefferson City, Mo., 65101.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, August 24, 2024, at St. Peter Catholic Church with the Reverend Thomas Alber officiating. A rosary service will follow at 11:30 a.m., at the church.
Inurnment will be at Riverview Cemetery during a private family service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to St. Peter Catholic Church or Caring Hearts and Hands, 1307 W. Broadway, Columbia, Mo., 65201.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary, 915 Madison St, Jefferson City, MO 65101.