Richard Marion Torrens was born on March 13, 1936 in Willmore, Kansas to Elmer Torrens and Margaret (Wood) Torrens. He was the second child of 4 born to Elmer and Margaret. In 1941 in order to make for better opportunities the family came to Wyoming as Kansas was in the heart of the dust bowl. The family started out in a dugout near the Rozette/ Moorcroft area before settling in Sheridan. Two more siblings were born in 1944 and in 1948. Sadly in 1952 at the age of three David or “Davey” as he was affectionately known, drowned in a terrible accident.
Rich only made it through 8th grade with his education before being fed up and deciding he was done with school. In 1953 at the age of 17, Rich joined the Marine Corps. He was stationed in various locations in the South Pacific, Japan and then Hawaii.
While in Hawaii at a rodeo in Waimea, Rich was approached by his future wife’s little sister, Dolly and they quickly struck up a friendship. He was introduced to his wife Judith at this rodeo. The relationship quickly escalated and 1956 he married Judith Marie Feliciano. They spent the last year of his Marine Corps commitment in California before setting in Wyoming in 1957.
Their only son, Kenneth Wayne was born in Sheridan, WY on March 29,1958 and sadly proceeded him in death in 2013. Rich was heartbroken to have to bury his only child.
Rich was known as a true cowboy never knowing a stranger. His stories were famous and his story telling skills add a special flare to any of his stories of past adventures.
Rich gained quite a following working at several area ranches in Montana and Wyoming. He gained several friends along the way and was well known in these parts for his ability to be a true cowboy. Rich will live on in all the people that knew him and cared for him. Special thanks to the staff at Westview Healthcare center for caring for Rich for the last couple of years of his life.
Rich was sadly proceeded in death by brother David, wife Judith and son Kenneth. He is survived by daughter in law Brenda Torrens of Sheridan, granddaughter Meagan (Joe) Coones of Boise, ID and his only great granddaughter Paisley Jo Coones, Grandson Matthew (Kelsey) Torrens of Sheridan. Sisters Irene (Bobby) Miller of Casper, WY and Patti (Bob) Gillis of Colorado Springs, CO. He is also survived by several cousins, nieces and nephews in Wyoming, Colorado and Hawaii.
He will be deeply missed by his family and all that knew him.
A viewing will be held from 10:30am-11:00am with a Celebration of Life from 11:00am-11:30am with Military Honors on Saturday, December 22, 2018 at Kane Funeral Home. A reception will follow immediately in the Kane Reception Hall.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to CHAPS Equine Assisted Therapy, PMB 201 1590 Sugarland Dr., Ste B, Sheridan, WY 82801.
Online condolences may be written at www.kanefuneral.com.
Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.
