Benny Gallegos

Benny Gallegos, of Oklahoma City, passed from this life on November 25, 2025, at the age of 78. He was born on May 9, 1947, in Vallecitos, New Mexico, to Crestino and Manuelita (Martinez) Gallegos.
Benny was a devoted member of OKC Bethesda Church and lived a life marked by faith, service, and generosity. In 1966, he joined the United States Army, serving honorably as a medic. After his military service, he moved to Los Angeles, California, where he worked at St. Francis Hospital before beginning a long and dedicated career with General Motors. His work took him from the South Gate and Van Nuys plants in California to the Oklahoma City plant in 1983, where he remained until retiring in 2006.
Benny never met a stranger. He loved to socialize and was known for his warm smile and friendly conversations, especially with the group he regularly visited at Panera Bread. A true classic car enthusiast, Benny treasured his 1974 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia and his 1986 Chevy Silverado and was happiest when attending car shows or polishing his vehicles to a shine. For many years, he also enjoyed riding his bicycle around the neighborhood.
Benny's kindness extended to everyone around him. He gladly helped his neighbors-mowing lawns, waxing cars, or offering a hand whenever it was needed. He had a special fondness for animals and loved feeding the birds, his parrots, and even a stray cat that visited him.
Above all, Benny adored his grandchildren. He would do anything for them, often showing up at a moment's notice, even in the middle of the night. He was their biggest fan, attending their events, giving rides, and helping raise them with love and devotion.
Benny had many joys in life. He loved polishing everything from cars to shoes to his treasured jewelry collection. He enjoyed watching TBN and Jerry Springer, and he savored Mexican food-especially what his sisters proudly called "New Mexican Food." He also loved eating at San Marco's on SW 59th, owned by his dear friend Abel. Benny cherished the 50-plus years he shared with his beloved wife, Linda. They spent a lifetime enjoying one another's company. A devout Christian, he faithfully read his Bible and shared his testimony with countless people. His first love was always his Lord and Savior, followed closely by the family he loved so passionately. Benny touched many lives with his warmth, generosity, and unwavering faith, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Benny is survived by his two sons, Michael McCluskey of Norman, and Benny Gallegos, Jr. and wife, Dana, of Oklahoma City; four grandchildren, Nikki Spain-Raines of Wellston, Oklahoma, Ethan Gallegos of Oklahoma City, Ian Gallegos and fiancée Faviola Trujillo of Oklahoma City, and Lauren Gallegos-Vazquez and husband Juan of Oklahoma City; four great-grandchildren, Eliza, Rylan, and Bentley Raines of Noble, Oklahoma, and Ezra Gallegos of Oklahoma City. He is also survived by two brothers, Walter Gallegos and wife Yvonne, and Mike Gallegos and wife Amanda, all of Albuquerque, New Mexico; four sisters, Mary Frances Santisteven and husband Carlos, Lorraine Baca, Charlene Burriss, and Sally Gallegos-Skinner, all of Albuquerque, New Mexico; as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and other loving family members and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Crestino and Manuelita Gallegos; his beloved wife, Linda Gallegos; his daughter, Sylvia Crestina Gallegos; and three brothers, Billy, Eli, and Joe Max Gallegos.
Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 30, 2025, at the John M. Ireland Funeral Home & Chapel, located at 120 South Broadway Ave., in Moore, Oklahoma. Funeral services to celebrate his life will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, December 1, 2025, at the John M. Ireland Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest at Resthaven Memory Gardens at SW 104th & Walker in Oklahoma City. Services are under the direction of the John M. Ireland Funeral Home & Chapel.