Christopher Paul Torrey

Christopher Paul Torrey, 58, of Alma died peacefully on Sunday, January 29, 2023, at home surrounded by family. Chris, a lifelong resident of the area and an active member of the community was born on December 23, 1964, to James (Jim) and Barbara Rand Torrey in Wamego, Kansas. Chris attended school in Wamego, Kansas graduating from Wamego High School in 1983 where he was an active member of FFA and 4-H. He held various jobs but his most memorable were for Vanderbilts, George Ebert, baling hay, and Wamego Sand, before founding Torrey Brothers Construction and Alma Storage Complex in 1990 with his brother Russell Torrey, where they specialized in demolition, sandblasting, and painting. They also founded Torrey Brothers Farms and were well known for growing cantaloupe and watermelon and distributing them around the state of Kansas and surrounding states. Chris was a born outdoorsman. He enjoyed trapping, hunting, and especially fishing on the Kansas River. His dad Jim would take him and his brothers fishing and late-night-frog-gigging. On cold, snowy mornings before school Chris, accompanied by his mother Barbara, would walk for miles checking traps. An avid hunter and fisherman, Chris especially enjoyed the Kansas River and his favorite annual elk hunting trip to Colorado. Amongst his favorite outdoor activities he also enjoyed a good and genuine antique store and a competitive game of pitch. As an elected councilman on the Alma City Council, Chris served for many years the community he loved with integrity, passion, and dedication. His knowledge, insight, and experience, and desire to preserve the historic beauty of this area he called home was considered valuable to many. Chris married in Colorado. Chris is survived by wife, children and grandchildren. His two brothers , sister-in-law,, mother-in-law and father-in-law, nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his godchildren and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Jim and Barbara Torrey, and his close friend, Ben Berroth. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am, Saturday, February 4, 2023, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Alma. Father Swamy Nannam with be the Celebrant. Burial will follow at Holy Family Catholic Cemetery. The family will greet friends on Friday, from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm, at the Church Hall.