Torsten Poths

Torsten Poths, 54, passed away on September 20, 2025, in Houston, Texas. He was born on December 20, 1970, in Kaiserslautern, Germany, and lived life with unrelenting passion and a fearless spirit that left an indelible mark across the globe.
Torsten's academic journey began in Kindergarten, continued at Bännjerrück Grundeschule, and advanced through Hohenstaufen Gymnasium, where he earned his Mittlere Reife. He went on to graduate with an Abitur from Heinrich Heine Sportgymnasium, an internationally recognized certificate of scholastic achievement. T was so fixated on driving that he in fact studied, prepared for, and took his driving test on the first possible day, which was his 18th birthday. Torsten's first official job was working part-time while he was still in school delivering Domino's Pizza to US Bases in Kaiserslautern and Landstuhl, practicing what became his impeccable mastery of the English language. Torsten then proudly served 18 months in the Bundeswehr's Signal Battalion in Bad Bergzabern.

Known to many as "Twisted T," a reflection of his bold personality, "T Man," or "Ducman," a nod to his love of speed, Torsten thrived where engines roared and limits were tested. Whether tearing down the track on a Ducati or racing his beloved "holy relic," M3, if it was fast, it had his heart. Motorsports weren't just a pastime-they were his way of life. His career in cars was never only about sales; it was about making dreams tangible. He began in bodywork at Opel Bösken and Opelwerk Kaiserslautern, where he bought and restored damaged cars, before moving into sales and management at Preowned and New Car Sales at Pentagon Military Car Dealership. Along the way, many customers became lifelong friends, bonded by horsepower and heart.

Torsten carried that same intensity into his relationships. Unapologetically himself, often with a beer in one hand and a cigarette in the other, he was candid, direct, and never afraid to speak his mind. Yet beneath that rugged exterior was a man of deep loyalty and fierce love. He had a rare ability to make people feel like family from the moment they met him. To many, he wasn't just a friend-he was a little brother, a big brother, a father figure, or a mentor, always steadfast, protective, and ready with support or straight talk when it mattered most.

After immigrating from Germany, Torsten proudly made Texas his home. He embraced its wide skies, independent spirit, and unshakable love of freedom. He cherished the sight of the American and Texas flags flying together and tipped his Stetson to the rights and liberties that defined his adopted homeland. A believer in both tradition and independence, he found joy at the gun range, in swapping stories with fellow motorsport and classic car enthusiasts, and in celebrating the rugged pride of being both German and Texan.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Frau Professor Dr. Rebecca Stokes-Poths. Fittingly, sparks first flew when Becky needed a car while stationed in Germany-and their love ever since was as fast and furious as anything in Torsten's world, filled with adventure and passion. Their first date was racing on the Nürburgring Ring, where Becky knew immediately, this man was who her life was then meant to spent be with. He is also survived by his brother and best friend, Heinz Poths, and his sister, Heidrun Poths-Lehfeldt. Torsten was preceded in death by his parents, Wilma Johanna Hemmers Poths and Heinz Poths. His love for cars came from his father, who worked at Opel and was fondly remembered throughout Kaiserslautern as, "the gentleman with the little blonde boy." The early loss of his father, also at age 54, whom he adored, was a profound challenge in Torsten's young life.

Torsten leaves behind not only family but an entire host of chosen kin-friends who found in him not just companionship but true brotherhood. His life will echo in every party, every racetrack and road he loved, every shared laugh, and every engine humming with joy.

May the memory of Twisted T's fearless ride through life bring comfort to all who knew him-and may each of us carry forward a piece of his fire.

A Texas celebration of life will be held on October 4, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Klein Funeral Home Magnolia–The Woodlands, 14711 FM 1488, Magnolia, Texas, 77354 (281-252-3428). In true Torsten and Becky fashion, the celebration will continue afterwards at their home, with an Oktoberfest gathering to honor a man who lived each day as if it were his last, lived life to the fullest, and every day without regrets. A service in Germany will be held at a later date.