GONZALO BENAVIDES

Gonzalo Benavides, 80, entered into eternal rest on December 8, 2022 surrounded by his loving family at his residence in Falfurrias, Texas. He was born on January 10, 1942 in Falfurrias, Texas to Regino & Antonia Benavides. Gonzalo was known all around South Texas for all the hard work and dedication to all especially in the Falfurrias area. Some of his most recognized accomplishments are that he was a Carpenter for several years, Certified Paramedic, and when Halo Flight was initiated he was one of the first paramedics working for Halo Flight. Gonzalo also instructed courses in EMT, paramedic, radiology and fire fighting for several years, he was also a Master Peace Officer, Certified Fire Marshall and Emergency Management Coordinator for 24 years. Gonzalo was also a Firefighter for 33 years and served as Fire Chief for 21 years, he was a Lock Smith for 25 years. He also was the Vice President of the Blue Knights, Law enforcement bike club chapter Texas 36 and also served as President of the South Central District Firemen's Fire Marshall Association. Gonzalo is preceded in death by his wife, Maria Ofelia Benavides, brother, Regino Benavides, Jr. Surviving Gonzalo is his son, Romeo Noel Benavides of Falfurrias, TX, daughter, Belinda Selina Benavides of Falfurrias, TX, two brothers; Noe Benavides (Teresa) of Falfurrias, TX & Pedro Benavides (Norma) of Lytle, TX, a sister, Dora Salinas of San Diego, TX, two grandchildren; Juan Cody Salinas (Stephanie) of Ricardo, TX & Cori R. Salinas (Tommy Silvas) of Falfurrias, TX, two great-grandchildren; Royce Taylor Silvas & Ryssa Skye Silvas.

A Holy Rosary will be recited on Wednesday, December 14, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Falfurrias, TX. Funeral Mass will be celebrated following the Rosary at 11:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Falfurrias, TX. Burial will follow at the Benavides Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be: Gilbert Alegria, Homer Benavides, Jaime Benavides, Pete Benavides, Jr., Rick Benavides & Eddy Garza. Serving as a honorary pallbearers will be: Falfurrias Fire Dept., Brandi Ashby & R.J. Tomas.