Las Vegas, Nev. – Jose Torres Zapata, 61, formerly of Sodus, passed away Wednesday morning, Aug. 5, 2009, in Las Vegas, Nev.

Funeral services celebrating his life will be held Friday, Aug. 21, at 11 a.m., at Dey-Florin Funeral Home, 2506 Niles Ave., in St. Joseph.

The service will conclude with military rites and burial will take place at a later date.
Visitation will be held Thursday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Jose was born Jan. 9, 1948, in Austin, Texas.  He was of Hispanic origin and was a member of the Métis Indian Tribe. Jose proudly served his country during the Vietnam War for two years. During his service, he received numerous metals and citations including three Bronze Stars, one Army Commemorative Metal, and a Purple Heart. He received special mention from then President Nixon for his war-related injuries.

Jose will be remembered as being a “non-extravagant man” who had a passion for playing pool and for cars.  Most of all, he was a loving father, brother, and uncle.
Jose is survived by his children, Jose Torres (Teresa), Jr., of Stevensville, Tony, of Noblesville, Ind., Amber of Las Vegas, Nev. and Brandy Jo Zapata of Sawyer; siblings, Angie (Harvey) Bane of Walkerton, Ind., Fernando Hernandez of Mishawaka, Ind., Juan (Angie) Hernandez of Niles, and Jesse Hernandez of Niles; grandson, TJ Zapata; and by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Jose is preceded in death by his mother, Manuela Hernandez and by his siblings, Rose Graham and Oscar Hernandez.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Arrangements were by Dey-Florin Funeral Home, St. Joseph.