Clemente “Clem” Torrejon, age 96, of Shelbyville, went to be with his Heavenly Father, Saturday, June 13, 2026, with his daughter / caregiver, Betty Torrejon by his side.
He was born April 15, 1930, in Acobamba District, Sihuas Province, Ancash, a department of Peru in South America.When Clemente was very young, he survived a catastrophe and he lost his immediate family in an earthquake. He later migrated to the United States in the mid-40’s with support from the Peruvian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Prentice Cooper (deceased). Prentice’s wife, Hortense Cooper (deceased), and his mother Archie Cooper (deceased) treated Clemente like their family. He remained very close to Coopers throughout his lifetime and their children too: William Cooper (deceased), Jim Cooper and John Cooper.
Clem is survived by his 3 children, Charles & Sandy Torrejon, Tony Torrejon & Paula Pewitt and his daughter, Betty Blanche Torrejon. He has many wonderful memories of his grandchildren and he is survived by them: Alisha & Brad Blackwell (deceased), Chris & Megan Torrejon, and Alex & Sylvie Torrejon. Their 5 grandchildren have shared many wonderful memories with Clemente. He had one brother, Alejandro Torrejon (deceased).
After Clem lost his family, his cousin, Maria Torrejon and her family became his 2nd family, they accepted him as a brother. He is survived by many cousins, Maria Torrejon & Eusebio Solis (both deceased) and their children: America Solis Torrejon, Consuelo Solis Torrejon, Alejandro Solis Torrejon, Isabel Solis Torrejon, Maruja Solis Torrejon, Oscar Solis Torrejon, Jose Solis Torrejon and another sibling, Rosa Solis Torrejon (deceased) and husband Orestes Ramos Anicama; and their children are also very close to Clemente and are survivors, they are: Jorge Ramos Solis, Frieda Ramos Solis, Carlos Ramos Solis, and Danny Ramos Solis.
Clem is survived by his 2nd wife, Shirley (Faulk) Torrejon and her children: Stephen Garrison, Teresa & Mike Dixon and Michael Garrison (deceased). Clemente has shared many wonderful memories with Shirley’s family and he is survived by their 9 grandchildren.
Clem was the kind of man who never met a stranger. He had a way of making people feel welcome wherever he went, often with a grin, a joke, or a little teasing. He loved to make people laugh, and those who knew him best understood that his teasing was one of the purest ways he showed his affection. If he picked at you, you could be sure he cared about you.
Clemente loved wildlife & nature and saved for years to purchase our Bottle Hollow Farm in the 70’s, He raised cattle and allowed all wildlife to roam free without fear. No hunting was allowed on our farm.
A man of the Catholic faith, Clem held his beliefs close to his heart. His family history was deeply rooted in that faith. The Prentice Cooper family-built St. William's Catholic Church for the Torrejon family, who were the only Catholics and Spanish Peruvians in Shelbyville at the time. That legacy of faith and devotion remained an important part of his life.
He was a man who loved life fully and joyfully. He loved to dance and carried a charm and spark that drew people to him. He appreciated strong character and timeless style, which made his admiration for John Wayne and Sam Elliott no surprise. He had that same larger-than-life presence, blended with humor, strength, and warmth.
Clem was also a Master Builder & Master Mason, a title that reflected both his skill and dedication. He left his mark not only on the people who loved him, but also in the homes he built. His craftsmanship became part of his legacy - lasting reminders of the hard work of his hands and the pride he took in doing things well.
More than anything, Clem will be remembered for his spirit - his laughter, his dancing, his teasing, his faith, and his ability to make others feel like friends. He leaves behind a legacy built, not only in wood and stone, but in love, family, faith, and the memories that will live on in all who knew him.
The family will receive friends from 1 -2 p.m. Friday, June 19th at Feldhaus-Gowen-Smith Chapel, 850 Union Street, Shelbyville, TN. Funeral service will family-built be held in the chapel at 2 p.m. with Pastor Kenny Collins officiating. Committal Service will follow at Rosebank Cemetery in Flat Creek.
Feldhaus-Gowen-Smith Chapel is honored to be serving the family of Clemente “Clem” Torrejon.
