Arturo N. Benavides Sr.

ARTURO N. BENAVIDES SR.
February 26, 1938 – September 06, 2017
 
Arturo N. Benavides Sr. of Laredo, 79, a prominent philanthropist, entrepreneur, rancher, and businessperson, passed away peacefully in San Antonio on September 6, surrounded by his loving family.
 
His distinguished business career encompassed a wide variety of enterprises, including not only ranching, but also real estate, land development, oil and gas, and the hotel industry. He founded the Pescadito Cattle Company, through which he raised commercial Brangus cattle, and ANB Cattle Co. Ltd., through which he acquired, owned, and operated vast ranch lands throughout South Texas. Mr. Benavides also served proudly in the Texas National Guard.
 
A graduate of St. Joseph’s Academy who later attended Fordham University and the University of Dallas, he was a longtime member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and, more recently, of St. Patrick Catholic Church.
 
Loved for his unassuming demeanor and endearing sense of humor, he quietly but enthusiastically prioritized creating a better future for the less fortunate. His philanthropy over the course of several decades benefitted many worthy causes in Laredo, particularly providing greater educational opportunities for the city’s youth.
 
Countless students pursued their higher education dreams because of scholarships he funded. Last year his children honored him by endowing in his name a scholarship for students with dyslexia at Texas A&M International University.
 
Because he understood that healthy youth are better learners, he generously supported the South Texas Food Bank. He helped establish, for example, three Kids Cafés that serve nutritious meals to low-income students at the Benavides Boys and Girls Club in downtown Laredo and at the Rio Bravo and El Cenizo Community Centers.
 
In spite of his humility and insistence on avoiding the limelight, he was honored extensively. His favorite awards and honors included being the honoree at the Empty Bowls Gala sponsored by the South Texas Food Bank; representing the United States as LULAC 12’s Señor Internacional; serving as the Honorary President of the Republic of the Rio Grande; and being named the 2012 Sportsman of the Year as he was inducted into the Latin American International Sports Hall of Fame.
 
Born to the late Anita and Carlos Y. Benavides Sr. on February 26, 1938, he will be missed dearly, particularly by his treasured family. He is survived by his daughter, Anna (John) Galo; his son, Arturo N. Benavides Jr.; two grandchildren, John Roman Galo and Zoe Zelin Benavides; his brother, Carlos Y. (Leticia) Benavides Jr.; nieces and nephews, Carlos Y. Benavides III, Guillermo D. Benavides, Linda Cristina (…Patrick) Alexander;  his cousin, Arturo Tomás (Leslie) Benavides; and the mother of his children, Gloria Casso Benavides.
 
Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 10, 2017 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapel, 1410 Jacaman Rd. A Rosary will be celebrated at 7 p.m.          
 
Funeral procession will depart at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, September 11, 2017 from the funeral home to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m.
 
Interment will then follow to the Calvary Catholic Cemetery.
 
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to: Arturo N. Benavides Sr. Legacy Trust at Texas A&M International University. The memorial donation can be made online at www.giving.tamiu.edu or mailed to 5201 University Blvd. KL 261, Laredo, Texas 78041. As well as to the Arturo T. Benavides Memorial American Legion Post 59 and the South Texas Food Bank.
 
You may express your condolences to the family and sign the guestbook online at: www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com
 
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels, 1410 Jacaman Rd., Laredo, Texas 78041; (956)722-8850.