Dodge City - Rafael V Torrez, 61, died August 9, 2023 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He was born on May 7, 1962 in Dodge City, Kansas, the son of Pascual Joe and Martina V Torrez.

He was a member of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Rafael loved movies; especially anything John Wayne, Bruce Lee, James Bond, and Marvel. He loved taking his nieces and nephews to the movies. Old school music was his favorite. Rafael was a very religious man. He battled his illness for 22 years. He was a liver and kidney transplant recipient. Rafael was so loved. He never had children but he was a father figure to many nieces and nephews as well as a godfather to many of the children in his family. He would try to attend as many school events for them as he could even though he was sick. He was a confidant, mentor, role model, and inspiration to many. Rafael was very loving and positive. He was always bringing the family together and making them laugh with his jokes. He was very kind and was always thinking of others and lending a helping hand when he could. Among many things he was a devoted son and great brother. He dedicated his life to taking care of his mother. He was part of the largest family of the Dodge City Mexican Village.

Rafael is survived by his mother, Martina V Torrez; siblings, Celia Enriquez (Fred) of Dodge City, Mary Flores (Richard Martin) of Oklahoma City, Mike Torrez (Brenda) of Dodge City, Jerry Torrez of Dodge City, Louie Torrez and partner Patty of Ashland, and Felix Torrez of Dodge City; numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews as well as many extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Pascual Joe Torrez; a brother, Daniel Torrez; and his maternal and paternal grandparents.

Funeral service will be held at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Friday, August 18, 2023 at 10:00 AM with Father Wesley Schawe presiding.  Burial will follow at Greencrest Cemetery in Dodge City, Kansas.  Visitation will be held at Swaim Funeral Chapel on Thursday, August 17, 2023 from noon to 5 PM. A vigil will follow at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Thursday August 17, 2023 at 7 PM.  Memorials are suggested to Integris Health Foundation for Liver and Kidney Transplant in care of the funeral home or to make a donation online go to: https://www.integrisgiving.org/give-now Designation: Transplant Select: This gift is in honor/ memory of someone and fill out the details. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.