Ricardo Benavides Sr.

1931 - 2026

Ricardo Benavides Sr.
12/28/1931 - 02/11/2026
Ricardo Benavides, Sr., a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, was called to be with the Lord on February 11, 2026, at the age of 94. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family.
A native of Laredo, Texas, Mr. Benavides was born on December 28, 1931, to the late Don Abraham Benavides and Doña Micaela H. Benavides.
He was a humble servant and minister of the Lord Jesus Christ, whose life was defined by faith, service, and devotion. His commitment to service began with a distinguished military career as a Korean War Veteran and retired as a U.S. Air Force Sergeant. He continued serving his country as a Legacy U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (USINS) Inspector, completing 31 years of active federal service. Following his retirement, he and his wife successfully developed and managed Westgate Plaza and other properties.
Throughout his life, he proudly served his God, his family, and his country with honor, dignity, and integrity. He leaves a legacy of discipline, fairness, faithfulness, and integrity. A steadfast advocate for good citizenship and education, he was also a proud member of the Class of 1974 at Texas A&I University at Laredo.
Above all else, he was a man devoted to his beloved wife, his partner in every sense of the word. The two of them spent over 68 years together, building a life with the kind of love that never faded. They traveled the world side by side, always excited for the next place they would see together. He was madly in love with her from the day they met, and he told her every single time he saw her.
He took immense pride in his family, cherishing the moments spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. To each of them, he was a constant source of wisdom, warmth, and guidance. He never claimed to be a hero, but in the hearts of his loved ones, he was.
He loved dearly and was loved in return. He had good friends and family who stood by him through the best and the worst moments of his life, and for that, he was grateful.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Don Abraham Benavides and Doña Micaela H. Benavides; his siblings, Vicente Peña, Lydia Peña, Hector (Cora) Benavides, Olivia (Trinidad+) Orozco, Virginia B. Gonzalez; and nephews and nieces.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Lydia Garza Benavides, and their children: Daughter Sandra E. Benavides, Son Ricardo (Brenda) Benavides, Jr., and Daughter Anita E. (Michael) Murie. He is further survived by his brothers, Ruben A. (Sylvia+) Benavides and Juan David (Elva) Benavides.
He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Christina (Humberto) Rios, Jaqueline (Andrew)Murie-Garcia, Katherine Murie, Ricardo (Kassandra) Benavides, III, and Nicholas (Evelyn) Benavides. Additionally, he is survived by his great-grandchildren: Brody A. Manjack, R. Matteo Rios, Stella A. Rios, Olivia Benavides, and Vienna R. Benavides.
His legacy lives on in the lives and values of the family he deeply loved and who will forever hold him in their hearts.
His request was that this day be a day of celebration, and not a sad day; for on this day, he would be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.
Praise Jesus
The Benavides family will be receiving guests on Monday, February 16, 2025, at Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services from 9:00 am to 10:30 am. A chapel service will begin at 10:00 am. Interment will follow to the Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Military honors and Honor Guard will be provided by the United States Air Force, American Legion Post 59 and US CBP Office of Field Operations.
Arrangements are by Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services, located at 1320 Trey Dr., Laredo, Texas 78041, (956) 723-3611. For those wishing to express their condolences, you may do so online at www.freddickey.com.