Stephen Benito Torres

Stephen Benito Torres, age 62, of Columbia, Missouri passed away on August 12, 2024, at Caring Hearts and Hands Hospice House. He was born on April 24, 1962, in Fremont, California; a son of Elias and Diane (Takash) Torres. He was united in marriage to Vicki Ricks on November 17, 1990.
He graduated from Rock Bridge High School in Columbia, Missouri in 1980. He also attended the University of Missouri and was a member of Marching Mizzou. He obtained a Bachelors in Bible Theology from Portland Bible College and a Bachelors in Music Education from Warner Pacific University, both in Portland, Oregon. Steve worked as a music and band teacher, teaching Kindergarten through 12th grade. He was also a young adult pastor at Bible Temple in Portland, Oregon. After teaching, Steve worked as a loan officer and account executive for CIT Group, serving the territories of Washington, Oregon and Northern California. Steve and Vicki made the move back to Columbia, Missouri where he worked at State Farm for 8 years and then Flat Branch Home Loans until his illness began.
He was a member at Christian Fellowship Church and prioritized God, his wife and daughters above all else. Steve was an active part of his wife and daughters' lives, attending every sports and music event possible, even driving the bus for away events. He was also a member of One More Time Around Again Marching Band, the largest adult marching band in the United States. He loved playing volleyball at the Arc every Tuesday and Thursday. He was the life of the party, loved music and people and was a "second dad" to so many young people. He was also a lifetime fan of the Dallas Cowboys football team. Steve was a friend to all those who met him and his loss will leave a huge hole in the hearts of all those who loved him.
Stephen is survived by his wife, Vicki Marie Torres; daughters, Olivia Marie Torres and Rachel Stephanie Torres Steinbeck and her husband Ben Steinbeck; mother, Diane Torres; siblings, Richard Torres, Elisa Torres and Jonathan Torres. Stephen was preceded by father, Elias Torres.
Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 26, 2024, at Christian Fellowship Church, 5045 Chapel Hill Rd, Columbia MO. Funeral Services will follow at 11:00 a.m. at Christian Fellowship Church with Pastors Marc Galaske and Scott Williams officiating.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to Caring Hearts and Hands Hospice House, 1307 W. Broadway, Columbia, MO 65203.
Arrangements are under the direction of Parker-Millard Funeral Service & Crematory, 12 East Ash Street, Columbia, MO 65203 (573) 449-4153. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.parkermillard.com.