LCpl. Elias Torrez III, U.S.M.C (KIA)

Rigo Ramirez remembered his stepbrother Marine Lance Cpl. Elias Torrez III on Sunday as a man with a zest for life who made the ultimate sacrifice for his country.

Torrez was one of three Marines from Texas who have died in Iraq since Thursday, according to the Department of Defense.

Torrez, 21, of Veribest and Cpl. Matthew E. Matula, 20, of Spicewood died Friday from hostile fire in Iraq, officials said. Lance Cpl. Michael Blake Wafford, 20, was killed Thursday by hostile fire.

Torrez was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, in Twentynine Palms, Calif.

Ramirez said Torrez was serving his second stint in Iraq. He was deployed at the start of the war and served nine months before returning home for a month at Christmas and then returning to his military base. He was deployed again the first week in February.

Ramirez described Torrez as an easygoing, lovable guy with a lot of friends.

"He was funny. He could take a bad situation and make you laugh no matter what," said Ramirez, 20, "He was a free soul. He had a zest for life. He really enjoyed being out here in Veribest on the farm."

Torrez graduated from Veribest High School in 2001 and started boot camp the day before the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Ramirez said he last heard from his stepbrother a month ago, when he left a message saying he was OK and telling his father and stepmother that he loved them and everything was going OK.

"He made the ultimate sacrifice, I imagine. He gave his life for his country, that means a lot in itself," Ramirez said.

Torrez's parents are Elias Torres Jr., of Veribest and Veronica Norris of Grape Creek. He also has a younger brother, Ramirez said. Torrez spelled his last name differently than his family.

Funeral arrangements are pending.