Elias Torres

Elias Torres, 91, of Columbia, went to be with his Lord on January 8, 2022 at home surrounded by his loving family.

Elias was born in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico on May 11, 1930, son of Benito and Josepha Rivera Torres and they preceded him in death.  On June 27, 1959, he married Diane Takash in Joliet, Illinois. She survives at their home.  He was a member of Christian Fellowship Church, where he had been an Associate Pastor for many years.  Elias loved Christ and was passionate about sharing the truth with others, as a pastor, missionary and evangelist. He and Diane served Christ for over 10 years as missionaries operating a boy’s orphanage, Casa Juvenile Boys Home, in Goinia, Goias, Brasil, where over the years sixty boys consider them their parents. He was a loving husband, dad, grandfather and friend and enjoyed spending time with his family.

In addition to his wife, Elias is survived by his children, Richard David Torres. Stephen Benito Torres (Vicki) and Elisa Joy Torres, all of Columbia, and Jonathan Paul Torres of Jefferson City; a sister, Ana Torres; nine grandchildren, Michael, Briana, Ezra, Abigail, Alexis, Olivia, Naomi, Joshua and Rachel; and one great grandson, Charlie.

He was also preceded in death by seven siblings.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM, Friday, January 14, 2022, at Christian Fellowship in Columbia. Visitation will be from 5:30 – 8:30 PM, Thursday, January 13, 2022 at the church.  Burial with military honors will follow the service at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Jacksonville, Missouri.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Coyote Hills, Granny’s House, or Love Columbia, c/o Bach-Yager Funeral Chapel, 1610 N. Garth Ave, Columbia, MO 65202.    

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