Henry Corando Benavides

"My family is my life, and everything else comes second as far as what's important to me." - Michael Imperioli
A beloved father, Henry Corando Benavides, passed away July 25, 2023, at the age of 70.
Henry was born July 15, 1953, to Corando and Sylvia Benavides. Growing up in Corpus Christi with his siblings Albert, Daniel, Delia, and Brenda, Henry had a very close relationship with his grandmother, Josefa Benavides. An active young man, he was athletic and loved to play baseball in high school and early adulthood. After graduating from a private Catholic school, he went on to attend Del Mar, where he received his welding and safety certifications.
Known for his strong work-ethic, Henry was a hardworking man and an excellent provider for his family. Henry used his many OSHA safety certifications in his career as a safety officer at Flint Hills Refineries in the oil and gas industries. After retiring, he taught safety courses at Del Mar College. He found great joy in teaching and mentoring young people who were interested in working at the oil refineries. When he was not working, Henry's interests were vast and varied. He had a love for science fiction and action movies like Terminator 2, non-fiction books, Tejano and country music, and a love for sports, especially the Dallas Cowboys. His lifelong passion for martial arts led to many achievements, including attaining the ranks Shodan (first-degree black belt) in 1992 and Nidan (second-degree black belt) in 1998 in Aikido.
Henry's life was defined by his deep and abiding love for God and family, and a strong commitment to the values that made him a great man of principled character. Henry loved his family and cherished family meals together. Whether it was lunch and dinner with his parents and siblings or breakfast with his children, they shared many fond memories of eating together. Henry loved fried chicken, and their favorite restaurants were El Charro Mexican Restaurant, Panchos, Sirloin Stockade, Rudy's Barbeque, and Golden Corral. His greatest joys in life were his beloved children and the many memories they created together. They enjoyed many family vacations together, including Gardner State Park, Astroworld, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, and Disney World. He valued his family and taught his children the importance of discipline, hard work, and strength. His son will remember how at the end of every phone call, Henry would tell him, "Take care of each other." For over 40 years, he helped preserve the culture and legacy of his family through many days of hard labor at his father's ranch. And after a long day, he enjoyed the simple pleasure of relaxing with his many dogs, whom he cared for deeply. Those closest to him will recall his lighter side, where he was funny and enjoyed a good joke. He will be remembered for being a loving father - equally steadfast in his toughness and caring in his protectiveness - and an excellent provider for his family.
Henry leaves behind his daughter and son-in-law Sandra M. and Donny Martinez; his daughter Tina C. Benavides; his son Chris Castillo; his son and daughter-in-law Matthew C. and Marissa Benavides, who took care of him after he became ill and throughout the final years of his life; his daughter and son-in-law Gloria and Harold Ramos; his daughter Amber Benavides and her fiancé Jon Hernandez; his grandchildren Christian (and Gian) Martinez, Sebastian Benavides, Sophia (and Joshua) Hernandez, and Chloe Ramos; his siblings Delia Z. Benavides, Daniel (and Rosemary) Benavides, Albert Benavides, and Brenda Benavides; and his dogs Duke, Lady, Bear, Leah, and Peter. Henry is preceded in death by his parents Corando and Sylvia Z, Benavides, his grandparents Uvaldo and Josefa Benavides, and his son Paul H. Benavides, who passed away in July of 2008. Henry's family would like to extend special thanks to Gentiva Hospice for helping care for Henry the last years of his life as well as to those who visited him throughout his illness. Thank you to his son and daughters Matthew and Amber Benavides, Gloria Ramos and the other loved ones who visited Henry, including Albert Benavides, Maggie Rodriguez, Virginia Sandoval, Mary Jane Mungua, and Melva Ortiz. Your presence brought Henry great joy and warmth.
To honor Henry's life, his family has planned a visitation and celebration gathering from 5-8 PM with a Celebration of Life Service beginning at 6:30 PM on Friday, August 18, 2023, at Maxwell P. Dunne Funeral Service - Yorktown Blvd.
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