Raymond M. Torrence

Raymond M. Torrence, 77, longtime Moses Lake resident and professional barber, passed away Tuesday, July 18 at LakeRidge Special Care Center.

Ray was born Aug. 7, 1928 in DeSmet, S.D. to William & Ruth Torrence. At age 16, his family moved to Omak. Ray then graduated from Omak High School in 1947. His first job was in a lumber yard for Biles and Colman. Ray was then drafted into the Korean War, serving two years in a M.A.S.H. unit. After finishing his tour, Ray began his training for barbering; opening his own barber shop in 1956, Broadway Barber Shop, which is still family owned today.

Ray's extra time was spent volunteering for the Moses Lake Fire Department and also as a member of the ELKS and VFW. He also enjoyed dancing, spending time fishing at his cabin from where he always had a story, tending to his flowers, working on his apartments, and spending quality time with his family. Because of his sense of humor and quick wit, Ray was well liked by his family, friends and customers.

Ray is survived by his family and numerous friends; including his wife Dixie of eleven years; his son Les along with his wife Sue and their children Brian (Brooke), and Brent (Lynn); his daughter Leila Pippins along with her husband Jim and their children Jeff (Janae) Pippins, Michael (Christine) Pippins, Jeremy (Shannon) Pippins; his great-grandchildren Tristan, Julia, Auna, Savanna, Kyle and Cody; his sister Ruby (Jim) Clunes and her children Reggie (Chris) McFarland, Gaye (Tom) Jacobs and Kelly (Bob) Gunn, his stepdaughter Diane (Jerry) Whitman and her children Tim (Jennifer) Scheib and their daughter, Lisa (Pete) Martin and their sons, Paul (Kelly) Dart; his stepson Doug (Colleen) Johnson and their son Nick; his niece Gloria (Gene) Copenspire; his nephews Larry and Gary Torrence; along with other great-nieces and great-nephews.

Aside from his parents, Ray was preceded in death by his brothers Harold and Richard Torrence and nephew Butch Torrence.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ray's name can be made to the Monroe House of Moses Lake, the American Cancer Society or a diabetes foundation.

Arrangements are in care of Kayser's Chapel & Crematory, Moses Lake. At his request, private family services will be held at a later date in honor of his life.