Cruz "Cris" Torres

​Cruz Cristobal (Cris) Torres 85 years old, passed away on April 26, 2025, at Windsor
Morgan nursing home in Corpus Christi, Texas surrounded by his loving family. He was
born on May 3,1939, to Juanita Rodriguez Trevino in Corpus Christi Texas. One of nine
children, he knew there were too many mouths to feed, and in his own words, “I was
restless, and had no desire to be a farmer”. Cruz enlisted with the Army at 17 just shy of
his 18th birthday. He did basic training at Lackland AFB, then was stationed at Vance
AFB in Oklahoma for Aircraft mechanical training where upon finishing, the Army
assigned him to Alaska. Cruz loved being a soldier, he loved the structure, and if you
worked hard, you could rise through the ranks. He met Patricia Frederickson while
stationed in Alaska, and she encouraged him to study and take his GED to get his high
school diploma. He was awarded a GED from Fairbanks Alaska. He reenlisted in the Air
Force and Patricia joined him in San Antonio, Texas as soon as she graduated from
High school in 1962 where they were married. They had two children, Ricky (Ric)
Torres, and Christine Torres Woodruff. Cruz looked good in his tailored uniform, and
was selected to drive for Commanding General Kelly in San Antonio where he saw
President JFK, and many celebrities. The family was stationed at Hickam AFB in
Honolulu, Hawaii where he drove for General Maddox (3 star) before returning to San
Antonio. Cruz started taking college classes, and after 10 years earned an associate
degree in general studies. Cruz and Patricia were divorced in 1970. Cruz was deployed
to Vietnam from 1970-1972, and he then was promoted to augmented Inspector 7th Air Force Inspector General MACV under general Westmoreland (four star) specifically serving in Korea, South Vietnam, and Laos Cambodia.
 
He retired as a Chief Master Sargent after 21.5 years from the Air Force, with (3)
Commendation Medals, and (1) Meritorious Service Medal.
 
Upon retiring he started Universal City Taxi service in San Antonio, where he tried his
hand at being an entrepreneur. After three years, he found owning a business to be too
taxing, and decided to Join the Federal Aviation Administration in Alaska as a
maintenance foreman in charge of navigational aid and airport mechanics for 17 small
airports across Alaska. He retired from the FAA at 55 years of age, having worked a
total of 31.5 years in federal service.
 
He returned to San Diego and enjoyed his senior years being with family, friends and
longtime sweetheart Yolanda Cuellar. Eating out at his favorite restaurants, collecting,
and working on vintage cars and driving his various corvettes.
 
He is preceded in death by his mother; Juanita Trevino, older brother; Serafine Asaro,
younger brothers; Cayetano Trevino, Pepe Trevino, Danny Trevino, and his sister;
Angelita Tiblier Torres.
 
He leaves behind his brothers; Lupe Trevino, Juan (Gloria) Trevino, and
Esperanza Trevino (Ray) Solis, his daughter; Christine (Royce) Woodruff Torres, grandchildren; Vance Woodruff, and Trace Woodruff, his son; Ric (Tracy) Torres, grandchildren; Taryn Torres Marks, Cami Torres, Connor Torres, and Tyler Torres, great grandchildren; Madden Reingold, and Koda Marks all whom he loved and enjoyed. May he rest in peace with his heavenly father, you will be missed, but not ever far from our hearts.
 
Visitation will begin on Thursday, May 1, 2025 at 9:00 AM at Mauro P. Garcia Funeral
Home Chapel in San Diego, Tx with a Rosary to be recited at 10:00 a.m. Followed by
Funeral Services. Military grave side services will be conducted by the United Burial
Veterans Association of Alice, Texas at the San Diego Cemetery No. 2.
 
Condolences may be left on our website www.mauropgarcia.com
 
Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Home entrusted with the arrangements.