Baldemar “Balde” Torres passed away at his home on January 31, 2026. Born

on October 29, 1960, in Edinburg, Texas to Antonio and Justina Torres. They

moved to Southern California for a short time before settling in Gridley, CA.

He met his high school sweetheart Lori Hammons on April 1, 1977, and they

later married on July 20, 1997.

Balde had a knack for working on cars and trucks that led him into the

automotive industry. He spent the next almost 40 years working at Butte Auto

Parts in Gridley.

It was not uncommon to find him sitting at the counter telling stories and solving

the world's problems. In his younger years, he enjoyed rebuilding old cars and

introducing his family to the world of drag racing.

He had an affinity for animals; they always seemed to love him.

He played/managed adult softball teams in the eighties before deciding that he

would rather torment Gridley Little League. His coaching voyage started with

Tee-ball in 1985, and he continued for the next 40 years coaching every division

and multiple generations.

He is survived by his wife, Lori Torres, and their children, Zachary (Toni) Torres,

Augustine (Laura) Torres, Jessica (Michael) Stohlman, Nickolas Torres,

Katherine (Jake) McClure, and Charles (Meg) Phillips. He is also survived by his

mother, Justina Torres; brother, Ben Torres; sisters; Janey Torres, Norma

Torres, Stela Torres and Rosa Hundt; several grandchildren including Tiago and

Zoey Torres, Orion and Barrett McClure, Sophie Phillips and another grandson

on the way as well as his lifelong business partner, Kent Ryan and multiple

nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, Antonio Torres and

brothers Valentin and Victor Torres.

A visitation and Rosary will be held for Balde on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1560 Hazel Street, Gridley. Visitation to begin at 4:30 pm Rosary to begin at 6 pm. Mass will be held on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 11am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Gridley Biggs Cemetery 2023 Hwy 99, Gridley, CA.

Arrangements entrusted to Gridley Block Funeral Chapel. 530-846-2138