Vernabe O. Torres, age 92, of Portage passed away Sunday January 19, 2014 at Porter Regional Hospital in Chesterton, IN. Vernabe was born June 11, 1921 in Robstown, TX to the late Edward and Maria (Obregon) Torres. He retired from Inland Steel blast furnace #2 in 1983. On July 5, 1945 Vernabe married the love of his life Jennie Huerta in Crown Point, IN.

He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years Jennie of Portage; six sons Ruben Torres of California, Richard (Evangeline) Torres of Merrillville, Thomas (Charles Zuehlke) Torres of Bolingbrook, IL, Robert (Orlett) Torres of Portage, Rev. Frank Torres of Lake Station and Paul Torres of Portage; one daughter Marie (William Breunig) Torres of Portage; one brother Frank Torres of Chicago, IL; seventeen Grandchildren; nineteen great grandchildren; six great great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son Vernabe; and four brothers Filberto, Michael, Jesse and Timothy.

Visitation will be from 2-8 pm Friday at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel 5341 Central Ave. Portage, IN with a 7 pm Rosary and from 9 am until time of Mass at the Church on Saturday. The Rite of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 am Saturday January 25, 2014 at Nativity of Our Savior Catholic Church 2949 Willowcreek Road Portage, IN 46368 with the Rev. Eduardo Malagon officiating. Burial will follow in Calumet Park Cemetery in Merrillville, IN..

Memorial Gifts are preferred to the Veteran's Life Changing Services in care of director, Dr. Henry Hitchcock in lieu of flowers.