Santiago Torres Puente

He and his family spent the first few years of his life in Los Lirios before moving to Monterrey, NL, Mexico.

While living in Monterrey, he worked for the Ford Motor Company assembling cars. He also served two years in the Mexican military.

Shortly thereafter, Santiago made his way to the United States as part of the Bracero Program.

In 1954, he met and married Eva Garza. They settled in the border town of Laredo, TX. His next job was as a ranch hand in Weatherford, TX.

After a few years in Weatherford, they returned to Laredo, TX, but didn’t stay long before they made their way to Chicago, IL, where he worked in a slaughterhouse. Their last move was to Houston, TX, where he worked as a mechanic for International Motors. In 1992, he retired after having worked as a diesel mechanic and diesel mechanic trainer at Stewart and Stevenson.

In 1988, his wife, Eva, died. It had been her request that he marry her sister, Alicia, which he did. Their marriage lasted for 20 years, and was a blessing.

The one salient factor that underscored his life was his faith in God. He pastored a congregation for over 30 years.

Santiago is preceded in death by his spouses, Eva and Alicia, his parents, Manuel and Agustina Puente, siblings Joel, Elias, Maria de los Santos and Socorro Puente. Lastly, he is preceded in death by one son, Benjamin Garza Moreno.

Santiago is survived by five children, Aaron, Elisama, Abisai, David and Eva P. Hernandez (Spouse Roland C. Hernandez). He is also survived by two brothers, Solomon and Abel Puente and five sisters, Juanita Puente de Flores, Aurelia Puente de Cordero, Esther Puente de Gomez, Amalia Puente de Garcia and Sara Puente Betancourt. Additionally he is survived his loving and devoted care givers, Olivia Puente and Joe Espinosa, by 10 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and Coco, his beloved and trusted dog.

Santiago loved to laugh. He absolutely loved his family. He loved trains. He would get train sets and spend hours putting them together. He also loved watching the nature channel and watching people build things. He loved tacos, coffee and jalapeños. Most importantly, he loved God.