Jose E. Torres, age 75, of Washington died Friday July 30, 2010 at the United Presbyterian Home in Washington following a lengthy illness.

Celebration of life services will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday August 2, 2010 at the United Methodist Church in Washington with Pastor Julie Poulsen officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until time of services Monday at the church. Interment will take place at the Cyprus Grove Cemetery in New Orleans, Louisiana. A memorial has been established to the United Methodist Church in Washington. Online condolences may be sent to Jose's family through the web at www.jonesfh.com .

Jose Erasmo Torres was born on December 2, 1934 in Cuba the son of Jose and Lilia (Peralta) Torres. He came to the United States for his higher education. He received his undergraduate degree in Christian Education at Asbury College in Wilmore, Kentucky. In 1965 he received certification as a Director of Christian Education in the West Pennsylvania Annual Conference of the Methodist Church.
He received his Master's degree and Ph D in psychology in 1983 from Columbia Pacific University in Mill Valley, California. Jose had further graduate training from Harvard, St Louis University in Missouri, University of New Orleans and St Cloud State University in Minnesota. He also studied in France. He belonged to the National Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese and received several honors.
Over the years he was granted faculty status at the Columbia Pacific University, was a teacher and administrator 14 years at St Edward's school in Vero Beach, Florida, taught Spanish at Fork Union Military Academy in Virginia, and 9 years at Trinity Episcopal Middle School in New Orleans. He was also associated with The Park School of Baltimore and The Pennington School in New Jersey. He taught Spanish, history, religion, psychology and education courses. He also served as an administrator in many capacities at some of the schools where he taught. He loved learning and continued to learn and rewrite his curricula. The Headmaster of Trinity said of Jose, "He is a delightfully warm and funny man, and therefore a strong favorite among students here. He is always the lead performer in faculty skits and games. He is a voice of reason and experience in his grade level team meetings. He has certainly demonstrated his commitment to the profession and I am truly confident that he will apply his learning to the classroom and so I recommend him most enthusiastically."
In the 1980's while at Fork Union Military Academy in Virginia Jose assisted in the Boy Scout Program as an Adviser and he counseled for the God and Country Awards. In the 1970's Jose served as Dean of Students, Director of Student activities and Director Guidance and Counseling at St Edward's school in Vero Beach. He was given a 10 year recognition award for dedication and loyal service and served there 4 more years.
Jose wrote an autobiography that is not yet published entitled "The Unpromising Boy." It contains many illustrations of God's providence in his life.
Jose moved here to Washington to be near his sister when his health began to change. He was a member of the United Methodist Church and attended worship and Sunday School faithfully. He was an avid photographer and enjoyed traveling.
Jose is survived by one sister, the Rev. Marta Sanfiel of Washington; and his nephew, Dr. Frank Sanfiel and wife Glenda of Washington.
He was preceded in death by his parents.