Hector Benavides, Sr.

HECTOR "TORO" BENAVIDES SR.
December 08, 1957 - November 16, 2015

Hector Benavides Sr., 57, went home to our Lord on November 16, 2015.

Mr. Benavides was born to his loving parents on December 8, 1957, in Laredo, Texas and was a lifelong resident of Laredo. Mr. Benavides was a local businessman who was a residential builder, nightclub owner, and at one time, President of the Miss Laredo USA Pageant. Mr. Benavides was also owner ofCanteraCourt Complex Inc.

Mr. B, as he was known, was loved and respected by all who had the privilege of working with him.Mr. Benavides leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, perseverance, and humility. He was the type of person who would go out of his way to help anyone in need. Fromopening his car window to advisesomeone of a flat tire, to ensuring the safety of a random stranger who seemed to be in trouble-Mr. B. would go out of his way to do a good deed, and he would do it with a smile.

Mr. Benavides was a generous and loving human being who doted on his wife, children, grandchildren, and all of his family. He was a father figure to his many nieces and nephews,and a brother and son to his in-laws. Everywhere that he went he spread joy and laughter, he shared advice and kind words,he gave love and filled hearts.

He was preceded in death by his loving mother, Maria Elida Q. Benavides; his siblings, Veronica and Juan Benavides; and by his brother in law, Rodolfo Garza. Mr. Benavides is survived by his beloved wife, Blanca E. Benavides; his children, Felix (Claudia) Benavides, Hector (Yvonne) Benavides, Christopher (Angie) Benavides, Steve (Christina) Benavides, Eric Benavides, Tiphani (Carlos) Riojas; father, Pablo (Teresita) Benavides Sr.; siblings, Thelma (Ramiro) Moreno, Pablo (Olga) Benavides Jr., Norma Consuelo Benavides, Santos Benavides, San Juanita (Ramon) Ramirez, Jerardo (Marina) Benavides, Maria de Jesus (Miguel) Leon, Erika Rivera, Lisa Marie Benavides, Lizza Azenett Benavides; sister in law, Elizabeth Benavides; parent in law, Rodolfo and Rafaela Garza; siblings in law, Ricardo (Beverly) Garza, Rosalinda (John) Vasquez; Janie (Eluterio) Morales, Maria Rafaela (Julio) Gutierrez; 19 grandchildren; 1 great granddaughter; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other loved relatives and friends.

Dear Hector,

The day that I said goodbye to you, the love of my life, I could still feel the warmth of your body. I could feel your heart beating slowly beneath the hospital gown,I could hold your strong hands in mine,but the time for you to leave us was drawing near. My heart ached like never before, but somehow I was able to gather the strength to let you go. I believe that the sudden strength I got came from the knowledge that you were about to commit your last act of heroism. You were about to become someone else's life force and superhero. I thank you for the wonderful years we shared and for our children who filled our lives to the brim with love. Thank you for instilling in me the courage which will now see me through this tragic time.

My love, you will be missed by so many people. From the many friends you made throughout your life, and the contractors and businessmen you worked with who were more like family, your father who counted on you, and brothers and sisters who loved you so very much,to your nieces and nephews who loved you saw you as a father figure. You will be so missed by your sisters in law who considered you to be their brother, and by my parents who looked upon you as their own son. But most of all, you will be sorely missed by your sons, daughter, grandchildren,great grandchild,and myself. You were our driving force-our hero.

Honey you will be my HERO for as long as I live. My heart, my life, and our home feel empty without you, but Tristan will help me get through this. He was so special to you because he was your mini-me. I know he will help me heal by saying, "I love you" in your name every night before bed. Until we meet again in heaven honeyplease watch over us all. I love you!

Long live Hector "TORO" Benavides!

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 20, 2015 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Castilian Royale; 9802 McPherson Rd., Suite 136, Laredo, Texas 78045. The Rosary will commence at 7 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 21, 2015 at St. Patrick Catholic Church. At the family's request, all attending are asked to please meet at church.

Interment will the follow to the Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

You may express your condolences and sign the guestbook online at: www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com

Arrangements are under the care and direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels, 1410 Jacaman Rd., Laredo, Texas 78041; (956)722-8850.