I t's with great sadness that we announce the passing of Natividad "Shorty" Torres, Jr., 85, of Hereford, TX, passed away peacefully on April 23, 2025, in Lubbock, TX. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at San Jose Catholic Church at 11:00 AM, with Celebrant Grant Spinhirne officiating. Burial to follow at St. Anthony's Cemetery. Arrangements and services have been entrusted to Mendez and Mullins Family Funeral Home of Hereford, Texas. The viewing will be held on Monday, April 28, 2025, from 1:00-8:00 PM with Rosary and Vigil to be recited at 6:00 PM at the funeral home.

Natividad was born to Natividad Torres, Sr., and Ramona (Villareal) Torres on September 6, 1939, in Sinton, TX. He married Esperanza (Iruegas) Torres on April 25, 1967. Natividad was a farmworker prior to a lengthy career of 38 years with Holly Sugar. He was a life-long resident of Hereford and an active member of the Knights of Columbus and San Jose Catholic Church.

Natividad was known as "Shorty" in the Hereford community. He coached Kids Inc. and Babe Ruth baseball for years, often serving as a mentor. His passion for sports and coaching touched many in the community. Natividad also enjoyed fishing, bingo, and relentlessly cheering for his favorite teams, Texas Tech, Texas Rangers, and Dallas Cowboys. He enjoyed spending time with his family, friends, grandchildren, and volunteering at San Jose Catholic Church. Natividad took great pride in his career with Holly Sugar. Beyond his work, he was a devoted husband, father, friend, and was known for his gregarious personality, sense of humor, and wit. He would light up the room and make many smile.

Natividad is survived by his four children with his first wife Esperanza Torres who passed in 2011: Rodney Torres of Amarillo, Ross Torres (wife Ana Torres) of Dallas, Roxann Gonzales (husband Valde Gonzales) of Levelland, and Ronald Torres (wife Kayla Torres) of Lubbock. Thirteen grandchildren and six great grandchildren: Ryan Torres, Alex Torres, Mercedes Torres, Makayla Torres, Nathan Gonzales, Nicole Gonzales, Makenna Torres, Hayden Lara, Normar Torres, Lucy Torres, Cora Torres, and sister-in-law Mary Helen Marquez.

Also survived by current wife Victoria Torres and four children: Linda Aranda (husband Robert Aranda), John David Castaneda (wife Carol Castaneda), Raymond Castaneda, and Carlos Castaneda (wife Kimber Castaneda). Also survived by sister Terry Cuellar (husband Fred Cuellar), sister Mary Trevino (husband Porfirio Trevino), and brother Theodor Torres.

Those preceding him in passing are his parents, Natividad Torres, Sr. and Ramona Torres, brothers Toby Torres, Tomas Torres, Paul Torres, and sister, Rosa Moya, and grandchildren Chris Gonzales, and Joseph Gonzales.

You can go online and sign the guestbook at www.mendezandmullins.com