Neil Torr

Neil Junior Torr was born on August 28, 1925 in Beloit, Kansas, the son of Neil Ronald and Ruby Leota Chritton Torr. He died on August 28, 2024, his 99th birthday, at the Homestead Assisted Living in Russell, Kansas.

His dad died July 9, 1925 before he was born. His mother later married Wallace Pearl Henderson and they had three daughters, and he served as a wonderful father to Neil. Neil attended school in the Pleasant Valley country school, as well as in Beloit and Jewell.  As a teenager, he went to work at Gus's Café, and then later worked and became manager of the Beloit Theater. Just before his 18th birthday in 1943, he joined the United States Navy, serving during World War II. He came home from boot camp in October of 1943, and got engaged to Gwendaline Alice Moate. On November 11, 1945, they were married at Neil's parents' home. This happy union was blessed with four children, Susanna, Mark, and twins, Jill and Jan. He was discharged from the Navy in 1946, and they made their home for many years at 710 North Walnut in Beloit.

Neil was an electrician, and then worked for the City of Beloit from April 1953 until July 1979. In 1968, Neil and Gwen purchased the former Eldringhoff Food Store in downtown Beloit, and eventually changed the name to Torr's HyKlas Food Store. They enjoyed their success until their retirement in 1994.

Neil and Gwen were privileged to spend nearly 70 years of marriage until Gwen died in July, 2015. He later moved to Russell to be near his daughter, Jill.

In addition to his wife, Gwen, he was preceded in death by his parents; step-father, Wallace "Pearl"; daughter, Jan; one son, Gary Mark Torr; son-in-law, David Goddard; granddaughter, Angela Goddard; brother, Harold; sisters, Nila McMinimy and Norma Walter; and half-sisters, Tiny Moore, Pat Leiker, and Dorothy Hamilton.

Neil is survived by two daughters, Susanna Hogan and husband Bruce of Wichita, and Jill Goddard of Bunker Hill; daughter-in-law, Kathy Torr of Beloit; 7 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be at 1 PM Wednesday, September 4 at the Roberts Family Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 4-7 PM Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the Post Rock Humane Society.