John Day Bennatt Jr.

John Day Bennatt Jr., known to many as "Big John," passed away on August 9, 2025, at the age of 84. Born on October 10, 1940, in Houston, Texas, he was shaped early by lessons of hard work, accountability, and service to others. He carried those values throughout his life and was, in every sense, a true Texas gentleman.

John began working at a young age and built a long and respected career in the oil and gas industry. After high school, he joined FMC, where we worked his way from the factory into sales. During his career at FMC, he earned multiple promotions and awards, built lasting friendships, and developed a reputation as a tough, fair, and respected leader.

On February 17, 1968, John married the love of his life, Helen Marie Fowler. Their marriage was a deep and enduring partnership built on faith, sacrifice, and steadfast commitment—living out their vows through both hardship and prosperity. Helen preceded John in death in 2020, and he looked forward with certainty to being reunited with her.

In 1976, John and Helen moved their family from Houston to Tomball, Texas, drawn by its welcoming community and a more rural Texas lifestyle he had always valued. There, John helped start the Fish Road Chicken Cookoff, which grew from a neighborly gathering into a beloved annual tradition drawing hundreds of friends and family. Along the way, neighbors became extended family—bonds John cherished for a lifetime.

In the early 1980s, John took a leap of faith with two colleagues, leaving corporate life to co-found Badjco, serving the oil and gas industry across North America. The business grew into several complementary companies, where he served as CEO until their sale in the early 2000s. He took great pride in what they built and was deeply grateful for the employees, customers, and lifelong relationships that made it possible—always putting people first and valuing character above all else.

In 2006, John and Helen moved to Arizona to be closer to their grandchildren and embrace retirement. John's Texas charm quickly led to cherished friendships through his love of golf, cards, dominoes, and hosting friends for backyard barbecues.

John was a devoted father, mentor, and family man who led by example. He believed in being a leader and in protecting those you love with wisdom, diplomacy, and strength when required. He loved deeply: his wife, children, grandchildren, siblings, and many friends. He loved Texas, working the land, his horses, great barbecue, golf, his green 1978 GMC truck known as "Ol' Green," and faithfully cheering for the Houston Astros, Texas Longhorns, and later the Arizona Diamondbacks.

John is survived by his children Lisa Bennatt, Stacy Bennatt, and Dan Bennatt; his brother Tommy Bennatt; his sister Sharron Felts; and his 6 grandchildren. He was known as a man who would give the shirt off his back, stand his ground when needed, and remain fiercely loyal to those he loved. He lived a full life, worked hard, loved deeply, and left this world better than he found it.

A graveside service honoring John's life will be held on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., at Kirby Chapel Cemetery in Hempstead, Texas—a meaningful date marking what would have been John and Helen's 58th wedding anniversary. All friends, family, and those whose lives were touched by Big John are welcome to attend and celebrate a life well lived and deeply loved.