Felix Jesus Torres, Sr., age 89, peacefully entered the presence of his Lord and Savior on June 13, 2026, in Lakeland, Florida. He was born on May 12, 1937, in Caguas, Puerto Rico.

At the age of 18, Felix moved from Puerto Rico to the Bronx, New York, in search of new opportunities. He later settled in Brentwood, Long Island, where he married Rafaela Torres on March 28th, 1957, and built a life centered on faith, family, and service to others.

Felix worked as Head Chef at Pilgrim State Hospital for more than 20 years, where he was known for his strong work ethic and dedication. Later, he and Rafaela moved to Lakeland, Florida, where he began a second career with the Polk County Sheriff's Office as a Correctional Officer at the Polk County Jail, serving faithfully for another 10 years before retiring.

A man of unwavering faith, Felix devoted his life to serving God and his community. While living in New York, he faithfully served at Primera Iglesia Cristiana de Brentwood (First Christian Church of Brentwood), also known as Fifth Avenue Church, in Long Island. There, he led boys in Royal Rangers, was an active member of the Caballeros men's ministry, and mentored young couples.

After moving to Florida, he started to preach the word of God to a group of people on his house, the group grew, creating a need to rent a space on South Florida Avenue. As the group continued to expand and the rented space became too small, they sought a larger location; they found a former 7-Eleven gas station and converted it into a church. A year later, in 1982, an opportunity arose to purchase the church building on Wilkens Avenue. Although he held pastoral credentials, he felt that God had not called him to serve as a pastor; instead, he was inspired to establish this ministry—which would become the first Iglesia de Dios Pentecostal MI in Lakeland—and he asked the council to send a pastor. Although the council sent a pastor, he continued working side by side with him. He served as a teacher for the men's Bible class for many years, was a long-time board member, and was one of the first teachers at Mizpa in Lakeland, he was a deacon, mentor, and servant of the church. His wisdom, humility, and servant's heart touched countless lives, and his legacy of faith will continue through the generations that follow him. He undertook missionary trips and visited various countries—such as the Dominican Republic, Honduras, Guatemala, and Costa Rica—living in Costa Rica for a year.

Felix was preceded in death by his beloved sons, Felix Torres, Jr. and Richard Torres.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 69 years, Rafaela Torres; his loving grandchildren, Brooke-Ann Ernst (Torres), Mei-Lin Rose Reisin (Torres), Marcus Valentin Torres, Gabriella Marisol Owen (Torres), Jeremiah Torres, Emilio Torres, Daniel Torres, and Deborah Torres.

He was a proud great-grandfather to Amelia Ernst, Logan Ernst, Liana Ernst, Felix Jorge Reisin, Rowan Owen, Cavender Owen, Liliana Myles, Serenity Torres, Marcus Aurelius "Nico" Myles, Alexander Torres, Isabella Torres, and Alena Torres.

Felix is also survived by his beloved siblings, Virginia Torres, Ada Cecil Torres, and Ruben Torres, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, dear friends, and brothers and sisters in Christ.

Felix will be remembered for his steadfast faith, gentle spirit, servant leadership, and unconditional love for his family. He leaves behind a legacy of devotion to God, commitment to family, and service to others that will continue to inspire all who knew him.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." – Matthew 25:23

Though he will be deeply missed, his family rejoices in the assurance that he is now at peace in the presence of the Lord he faithfully served throughout his life.

To our beloved brother and friend, Félix J. Torres—known as Felo—a chef, sheriff, pastor, teacher, missionary, founder, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, and brother in the faith. We do not say goodbye, but rather "see you later," for we have the certainty that on the final day, we will meet again in heaven.