Marcos Ruelas Torres

Marcos Ruelas Torres, Sr. passed away peacefully October 28, 2022 at the age of 93. He was born in Malakoff, Texas on April 25, 1929, to Vicente and Manuela Torres, where he was raised for most of his childhood until his family moved to Dallas, Texas during the later years of his adolescence. He was married for 64 years and shared three children with Elvira Lopez, who he wed in 1952.

Marcos never stopped being of service to those around him. He was a charismatic storyteller, and enjoyed spending time with family, especially his grandchildren, playing the lottery, traveling, reading the newspaper, and sharing war stories. Marcos served in the U.S. Army and fought through one of the most difficult battles in the Korean War as a part of The Chosin Few. Marcos is a Purple Heart recipient. After spending several years as a member of the military, he continued his service to his country through charity work. He demonstrated his fierce dedication and service in civilian life in his career in the insurance business, as well as to his loving family.

Marcos was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Elvira Lopez Torres, both sons Marcos R Torres, Jr and Jose Lewis Torres, Sr., parents Vicente and Manuela Torres, brothers Rodolfo, Alejandro, and sisters Felisa, Herlinda.

He is survived by daughter, Brenda Lee Valdez and husband Vincent; daughters-in-law, Louann Kai, Julia Torres, Maria Morales, brothers Vicente, Jose and Arthur Torres, as well as eleven grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

In recent years, Marcos reflected on his younger days in Malakoff with his mother, father, brothers, and his time in the military. The Korean War is sometimes called the forgotten war, but Marcos never forgot, describing his difficult days in Korea as “horrible, but I’m a better man because of living it”. In retrospect, experiencing a full life and building a loving family were his proudest achievements. His family will remember him as their loving patriarch and an American Hero. The wisdom Marcos shared throughout the years will continue to guide those who heard his stories for years to come. His smile and playful attitude kept the family laughing until he entered eternal life.

A visitation for Marcos will be held Monday, November 7, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Gonzalez Funeral Home and Crematory, 3050 N STEMMONS FWY, DALLAS, TX 75247. A rosary will occur Monday, November 7, 2022 from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM, 3050 N STEMMONS FWY, DALLAS, TX 75247. A mass of christian burial will occur Tuesday, November 8, 2022 from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM at St. Mary of Carmel Catholic Church, 2900 Vilbig Rd, Dallas, TX 75212. An interment will occur Tuesday, November 8, 2022 from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Calvary Hill Cemetery, 3235 Lombardy Ln, Dallas, TX 75220.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.gonzalezfuneralsdallas.com for the Torres family.