Richard Joseph Torrez

Richard Joseph Torrez of Centerton, Ark., died Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2013, at Concordia Skilled Care Center. He was born Sept. 24, 1950, in Flagstaff, Ariz., the son of the late Joseph Torrez and Jennie Balmaceda. He had lived in the Northwest Arkansas area since 2009 after moving from Sun City, Ariz. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War with the Air Assault First Calvary Division. He enjoyed art and painting. Also he loved listening to music and playing the guitar. He was preceded in death by his father and one sister. In Flagstaff, Ariz., he worked for 10 years at Floral Arts. He also worked and taught for 17 years at Renal Care Center. Since he himself had two kidney transplants, it was his way of giving back to those going through dialysis treatment. Richard is survived by his beloved wife of 28 years, Kathleen Torrez of the home, whom he married Aug. 3, 1985; his dog, Kaylee; his mother, Jennie Balmaceda of Flagstaff, Ariz.; two brothers, Raymond Torrez and his wife, Rhonda, of Flagstaff, Ariz., and Tony Martinez and his wife, Lisa, of Flagstaff, Ariz.; five nieces and nephews; and seven great-nieces and -nephews. Visitation will be Sunday from 2-4 p.m. at Epting Funeral Home in Bentonville. Pallbearers will be members of the American Legion, Post 100, of Rogers, Ark. Graveside service will be Monday at 10 a.m. at Bella Vista Cemetery, with full military honors provided by the Northwest Arkansas Honor Guard of Rogers. Funeral service will be Monday at 11 a.m. at Bella Vista Assembly of God Church. Memorials may be sent to the Alzheimer's Association or the Kidney Foundation. Condolences: www.eptingfuneralhome.webs.com.