Walter J. Toronjo, Jr., 87, of West Orange, died Tuesday, June 30, 2010, in a Houston hospital.
Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Monday, July 5, 2010, at Winfree Baptist Church in Orange. Leading the service will be David Toronjo, MD and Mr. Larry Haynes.
Masonic and military rites will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens near Bridge City.
Visitation will be 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Sunday at the church.
Born in Sour Lake on June 16, 1923, he was the son of Walter J. Toronjo, Sr. and Blanche Burke Toronjo.
Mr. Toronjo worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 38 years and retired as Superintendent of Postal Operations.
He was a WWII veteran where he served for 2 ½ years in the Army Air Force as an Engineer Gunner on a B24 in the 446th Bomb Group. He was stationed in England where he flew 30 missions over Germany. He was honored with numerous honors and awards, receiving the last in 2004 from the French Consulate for his participation in the liberation of France. He currently was a member of the American Legion Post in Orangefield.
Mr. Toronjo was a member of Winfree Baptist Church where he served as a deacon for 57 years. He was a Sunday School teacher for over 50 years and served on various committees and as Sunday School Superintendent.
He was the first member initiated into the Bridge City Masonic Lodge and has been a member for over 50 years. He was a past President of Orange Christian Services and currently was serving as the representative from Winfree Baptist Church.
Mr. Toronjo was a member of the Orange County Historical Society where he also served as President for several years and wrote and edited historical articles for the society's publication, "Las Sabinas." He was a member of the Heritage House Museum and was involved in presenting the Trunk Show to various school children for several years.
Preceded in death by his parents, Blanche and Walter Joseph Toronjo, Sr.; sisters, Dorothy Vance and Margaret August and brother, Robert Lee Toronjo, Mr. Toronjo is survived by his wife of almost 67 years, Juanita Toronjo of West Orange; son, David Toronjo, MD and his wife, Tallula of Huntsville; daughter, Annette Allen and her husband, Chris of Orange; Brothers, James A. Toronjo of San Antonio, Ray Toronjo of Boise, Idaho, Jay Toronjo of Vidor and Dale Toronjo of Coldspring; sisters, Eileen Guillen of Santa Fe and Gayle Keramian of Corpus Christi.
Also surviving are his grandchildren, Heather Toronjo, Rachael Toronjo, Mark Toronjo and his wife, Bonnie, Macy Toronjo, Will Toronjo, Katie Allen Worthy and her husband, Tyler and Jordan Allen; and his great grandchildren, Jacob and Carson Worthy.
Serving as Pallbearers will be Mark Toronjo, Jordan Allen, Tyler Worthy, John David Vance, Terrell Vance and Robert Montagne. Honorary Pallbearers will Jack Hardey, Bobby Joe Taylor and the Deacons of Winfree Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Orange Christian Services, 2518 West Park Avenue Orange, TX 77630, Winfree Baptist Church Building Fund, 19525 Highway 62 S Orange, TX 77630 or the Heritage House Museum, 905 West Division Orange, TX 77630.