Benjamin Diaz Rios

BENJAMIN DIAZ RIOS APR 9, 1932 - NOV 19, 2010 Benjamin Diaz Rios entered into rest peacefully, on November 19, 2010, in Modesto, California, with his family by his side.This ended his long battle with cancer due to his exposure to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War. Mr. Rios was born on April 9, 1932 in San Marcos, TX. He was the youngest child of the late Ponciano Arevallo Rios and Elvira Diaz Rios. Mr. Rios was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy C. Mennecke Rios, four brothers; Arturo, Gustavo, Rojelio, Noel Diaz Rios,and two sisters; Oralia Rios Rodriguez and Giselda Rios Cayabyab. Mr. Rios served in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict from 1950-1953. He received the United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal w/4*, National Defence Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal Award. Mr. Rios later volunteered to serve in the Vietnam War from 1963-1966. He received the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for his service. After being Honorably Discharged, Mr. Rios resided in Fairfield, CA, where he worked in Agriculture. He later moved to Modesto, CA, and resided there for 35 years. Mr. Rios enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, watching Western Cowboy movies and accompanying is daughter on her many adventures. Mr. Rios is survived by one sister, Ruth Rios Casiano of Antioch, CA, one daughter, Elvira L. Rios Prock (kevin A. Prock), two Grandsons; William A. Harris and Benjamin S. Harris, two Grandaughters; Elizabeth L.Prock and Rainy S. Prock, al lof Modesto, CA. A memorial service for Mr. Rios will be held at Eaton Family Funeral Home, 513 12th St., in Modesto, CA, on Friday, December 3, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. www.modbee.com/obituaries