Rolando Santillan Torres was born in Malate, Philippines on November 13, 1957, and passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family in Houston, Texas on November 27, 2025.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Magiliw Torres and Victoria Santillan Torres, and his brother, Reynaldo Torres.

Rolando is survived by his faithful wife, Edwina Sarmiento Torres; his daughters, Rowina Torres McKee and husband Kristofer, and Roechelle Torres; grandchildren, Isaac McKee and Benjamin McKee; brothers, Rodolfo Torres and wife Milagros, and Magiliw Torres, Jr. and wife Susan; sisters, Imelda de Guzman and husband Melquecedes, and Herminia Hernando and husband Atty. Emmanuel; and sister-in-law, Aida Torres; nephews, Nelson Torres and wife Khristmas, Ron Torres and wife Michele, Rainier Mark Torres, Carl Hernando, Dr. Melquecedes de Guzman, Jr. and wife Joann, Marion Bryan de Guzman and wife Jeannette, Marvin Raden de Guzman and wife Pamela, Magiliw Torres; nieces, Sheryll Pabalan and husband Demic, Melissa Choa and husband James, Arlene Hernando, Ethel Hernando, Sarah Gale Torres; and many grandnieces and grandnephews.

Rolando was born on November 13, 1957, in Malate, Philippines, where he grew up. He graduated from Pasay City Adventist Academy and went on to attend Philippine Christian University to study finance. He later graduated from Emilio Aguinaldo College with a degree in Physical Therapy. Rolando immigrated to the United States in the late 1970s and made the United States his permanent home in 1988. He briefly lived in Seattle, Washington, using his gift of music to minister to all. He came to Houston, Texas in 1983 because some close friends of his from his childhood church asked him to sing special music for their wedding. Unbeknownst to him, the bride and groom would soon be Rolando's future brother and sister-in-law.
Rolando met his wife, Edwina, in the Philippines while attending church at Baclaran Evangelical Church in 1976. They married in 1986 and permanently relocated to Houston, Texas to be closer to Edwina's family. They welcomed their firstborn daughter, Rowina Lizelle, in December of 1989 and five years later welcomed their second daughter, Roechelle Lauren, in April of 1995. In 2002, they were expecting their third child but heartbreakingly endured the loss of their little one before birth. After 23 years apart, Rolando will finally be reunited in Heaven with his unborn child, Isaac, whom he never had a chance to meet while here on Earth– a meeting they both waited a lifetime for.
Rolando spent his life serving and loving the Lord. He was known for his guitar playing and beautiful singing voice and used the talents God blessed him with to lead worship in churches across the world, and perform special songs in honor of the Lord. Because of his love of music, his daughters were inspired to become musicians themselves. He often recruited them to lead worship with him, which has been a core memory for his daughters. He often pushed the limits of his talents– singing in the styles of traditional worship, contemporary worship, country, opera, and at times would even imitate the original singer by changing the timbre of his voice. He was a prolific musician, and his singing and guitar playing will be truly missed by all.

Rolando was known to be the life of the party and the comedian—always bringing joy and laughter to everyone around him. He rarely took life too seriously, which made him such a fun and refreshing presence. Where there was Roland, there was laughter.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He leaves behind a legacy of joy. We picture him now lifting his voice in song, praising the Lord in Heaven with the same joy he shared so freely here on Earth.

Visitation will be held from 5-8pm on Friday, December 5, 2025 at Klein Funeral Home, 16131 Champion Forest Dr., Spring, TX 77379.  A funeral service for Rolando will be held at 10am on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at Klein Funeral Home Champion Forest, to be immediately followed by a committal service in Klein Memorial Park on FM 2920.