Rev. David “Bruce” Torrence, 78, of Festus died July 20, 2026, at his home. The Rev. Torrence was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War. He had worked as an ironworker and bridge builder and had pastored numerous Southern Baptist churches. He was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church of De Soto and last served at First Baptist Church in Irondale, where he retired. Born Oct. 27, 1947, in Pevely, he was the son of the late Katharine Irene (Wiles) and Wilbern Joseph Torrence.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years: Connie Louise (Summers) Torrence.
He is survived by a daughter: Pamela (the Rev. John) Weaver of Sikeston; two sons: Daniel (Julie) Torrence of Bonne Terre and Kevin (Megan) Torrence of Holts Summit; two brothers: Donald (Linda) Torrence of Hematite and Gary (Janet) Torrence of De Soto; nine grandchildren: Tanner Torrence, Blaise Torrence, Isaac Weaver, Samuel (Clare) Weaver, Levi Weaver, Faith (David) Gorrell, Megan Weaver, Noah Weaver and Andrew Weaver; and a great-granddaughter: Wendy Weaver.
He also was preceded in death by two sisters: Donna (the late Eugene “Chester”) Longley and Estelle (the late Norman) Clerc; an infant brother: Norman Ralph “Sonny” Torrence; and three grandchildren: David, Hannah and Christian Weaver.
Visitation is scheduled from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, July 23, at Vinyard Funeral Home, 616 W. Main St., in Festus. Funeral services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday, July 24, at the funeral home, officiated by the Rev. John Weaver, Pastor of Fellowship Baptist Church in Sikeston. Interment with full military honors will follow in Herculaneum Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home.