Wesley "Wes" Torrence

Wesley “Wes” Torrence, 85, of Webster, SD passed away on Tuesday, July 13, 2021, at Bethesda Home in Webster. Memorial services will be 10:30 A.M. Monday July 19, 2021, at Fiksdal Funeral Service in Webster followed by Military Honors. Inurnment will be at a later date. Memorial visitation will be Sunday 4-6 P.M. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Museum of Wildlife Science and Industry PO Box 235 Webster, SD 57274 or Webster Diamond Club C/O Bette Zenk 611 West 7th St. Webster, SD 57274 Wesley LuDell Torrence was the 4th of nine children born to Charles “Floyd” and Dorothy (Tieman) Torrence. He was born in Northville, SD on July 17, 1935. He attended all 12 years of school at the Northville Public School graduating in 1953. He married Gail Smith of Brentford, SD, on Dec. 9, 1961, in Aberdeen, SD. They were the parents of two sons: Kelly Quentin and Blake LuDell. The Torrence family taught a strong work ethic. Wes began driving a stock truck for H.H. Boekelheide cattle buyer of Northville. He served in the US Army from 1958 to 1960. Upon returning, Wes drove a dairy route for Capitol City Dairy in Pierre until he became a driver’s license examiner and driver’s license examiner supervisor for the Dept of Public Safety for the State of SD in 1962. He was stationed in Webster, SD. In 1976, Wes became part owner of the A & W Restaurant in Webster. He began working as an assemblyman for Mereen Johnson Machine Company in Webster in 1977 and retired in 2000. Following retirement, Wes spent time at his son’s cabin in the Black Hills and for 10 years he wintered in Florence, AZ. Wes was a member of the United Methodist Church of Webster. Wes is survived by his wife of 59 years, his sons: Kelly (Cathy) Torrence of Omaha; Blake (Megan) Torrence of Webster; five grandchildren, Corey Torrence of Omaha, Caitlynn Torrence of Omaha, Colby Torrence of Webster, Claire Torrence of Webster, Quentin Torrence of Webster; his brothers and sisters: Duane Torrence of Ipswich, Reva (Donald) Carda of Chelsea, Reta (Sylvan) Smith of Northville, Beverly (Gary) Smith of Statham, Georgia, Ronald (Linda) Torrence of Northville and sister-in-law: Pat Torrence of Utah. Brother-in-laws: James (Alta) Smith of Brentford, Louie O’Donnell of Aberdeen and sister-in-law: Kae (Dale) Weigel of Aberdeen as well as many nieces and nephews. Wes was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers: Art, Richard (Arden), and Derald Quentin, and sister-in-law Bonnie Torrence.