Jose Texas

Jose Emmanuel Benavides, born December 25, 1933, passed away on Sunday, February 26, 2017.

Jose spent his entire life in Laredo, except for the time he served his country in the U.S. Army from 1955-1957. After the army, he received his Bachelor's degree in English from Texas A&I University. He taught English at Christen Middle School where he picked up the nickname "Dick Van Dyke" because his students and co-workers thought he resembled the actor. He then worked for several years at the LISD Main Office while pursuing his Master's degree in English from Texas A&I. He played several roles in LISD, but one that people may not remember is the voice of the puppet, Don Carlos, on the Instructional Television children's show "Picadillo". Laredoans may have also heard his voice in the radio commercials he recorded for the Image Group advertising agency.

Shortly after receiving his degree, he became an English Instructor at Laredo Junior College, from which he retired in 1997. His children, Daniel and Joanna, followed in his footsteps and are both currently English Instructors at Laredo Community College. After his retirement, Jose spent his time with family and friends, especially enjoying the time he got to spend with his granddaughter.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Luis and Amanda Benavides; sisters, Ana Maria Benavides and Gloria Laurel; brother, Luis; and sister-in-law, Lupita Howard (Emmett).

Jose is survived by wife, Juanita; children, Rene, Daniel (Imelda), Joanna (Joseph Richter); sister, Olga B. Guerra; as well as several nieces and nephews. A highlight of his life came in 2007, when his granddaughter Katelyn was born.

The family would like to give special thanks to caretakers Susana Ramirez and Ignacia Garcia, to his compadres, Alfredo and Thelma Guerra, Dr. Gilberto Garza-Lozano and the staff at LMC.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 01, 2017 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels, 1410 Jacaman Rd. A Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 02, 2017 at St. Patrick Catholic Church. Family respectfully requests all attending to meet at church.

Services will conclude after the Mass to proceed with his cremation.
You may extend your condolences to the family online at: www.joejacskonfuneralchapels.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson North Funeral and Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd., Laredo, TX 78041, 956.722.8850