Joseph Henry "Joe" Bennett

Joseph Henry Bennett, known to all as Joe, was born in Houston, Texas, on October 17, 1948. He passed peacefully into Heaven on February 1, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Anyone who knew Joe never had a bad thing to say about him. Admired by so many, he was known for his kindness, his willingness to help others, his common-sense leadership, and the incredible wisdom he shared with those around him.
Joe grew up in Denver Harbor with his parents, Archie Bennett Sr. and Cecelia Marie Bennett, and his older brother, Archie Bennett Jr. Despite an almost 11-year age difference, the bond between the brothers was strong, with Joe following in some of his big brother's footsteps -joining the military and graduating from the University of Houston.
A proud 1967 graduate of Stephen F. Austin High School, Joe soon met the love of his life, Peggy Quast. They built a beautiful life together, sharing nearly 54 years of marriage filled with love, adventure, and accomplishments.
Joe served honorably in the U.S. Navy, achieving the rank of Petty Officer Second Class in Interior Communications. In a time before air conditioning on ships, Joe's quick wit and charm secured him a cot in the electrical room, the coolest spot on the vessel where he could "keep an eye" on the equipment overnight.
His time at sea also saw him earn the distinguished title of Golden Shellback, a naval tradition awarded to sailors who cross the Equator at the 180th meridian, also known as the International Date Line. He accomplished this feat twice.
After his military service, Joe pursued higher education, earning an associate degree and a bachelor's degree as part of the first graduating class at the University of Houston-Clear Lake in 1977. A devoted Houston Cougars fan, he enjoyed decades of attending games and hosting tailgate parties with family and friends.
Joe and Peggy made their home in the Southbelt area of Houston for over 50 years before moving to Pearland in 2023.
A dedicated professional, Joe, spent over 30 years with Basic Builders, a general contracting firm in Houston. He took great pride in working alongside his son, Travis Bennett, for more than 15 years, completing numerous successful projects together.
Joe's love for the outdoors and Texas traditions was evident in his decades-long involvement with the Salt Grass Trail Ride. He joined in 1980, riding alongside Peggy and his sister-in-law, Beverly Wilson Bennett (Smith). As Assistant Wagon Boss for the Desperados for nearly 40 years, he worked closely with Beverly, who served as Wagon Boss. He even co-wrote the Desperados signature song with Jack Wilson. Whether acting as Camp Boss, Head Cook, or Taskmaster, Joe was a guiding force whose legacy will live on in the traditions and friendships he helped build.
Cooking was another passion of Joe's. He competed in cook-offs across Texas with his children, Mandy and Travis, as part of the Lazy B Cookers, and with his brothers-in-law, Danny Batten and Albert McBride, on the In-Law Cookers, using a pit trailer they built together. His award-winning chili and beans earned him numerous trophies.
Joe's life was marked by acts of bravery and selflessness. He saved lives in emergencies by rescuing children from a burning car, performing CPR, and even defusing a pistol standoff until authorities arrived.
His dedication to the community extended beyond personal heroism. Joe played a pivotal role in the creation of the Southbelt Area Sports Association, securing funding and overseeing the construction of the El Franco Lee Park Sports Complex, ensuring generations of local children would have a place to play. He also served on the Board of Directors for the Southeast Volunteer Fire Department and President of the HOA Board for many years.
Joe was instrumental in supporting his daughter, Mandy Bennett Niscavits, in developing her business, d'lish Catering, with Peggy's unwavering support. Together, they helped build her first kitchen at The Shops Downtown and played a key role in her business's success over the last 20 years. Joe was also a top contributor to Mandy's Girl Scout cookie sales; he served as president of the Southbelt Girls Softball Association and nearly wore burnt orange when Mandy's team won the State Championship her senior year.
In 2003, Joe and Peggy fulfilled a lifelong dream, purchasing the Lazy B Ranch, a 70-acre haven in Hallettsville, Texas. With the help of family and friends, they built their home there, completing it in 2015. Joe loved nothing more than hosting friends, cooking meals, and riding the John Deere Gator on the trails with his granddaughters.
Travel was another great joy for Joe and Peggy. They explored destinations including Alaska, Hawaii, the Caribbean, Cabo, and Scotland, often by cruise. A lover of music and celebration, Joe was the heart of many gatherings, always ready to lend a hand in making special events even more memorable. I'm sure you may have a song in mind right this moment that reminds you of Joe Bennett or at least you do now!!
In 2021, Joe was diagnosed with Melanoma Brain Metastasis and Multiple Myeloma. His daughter, Mandy, became his fierce advocate, navigating his medical journey, while Peggy stood by his side as his devoted caregiver. His dear friend, Gloria Rottger, provided end-of-life care, and Joe cherished her deeply. He fought courageously for nearly four years before his passing.
Above all, Joe was a devoted family man. He treasured every moment with his granddaughters, Simone Bennett and Logan Niscavits, creating unforgettable memories alongside Peggy, who shared in his joy.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Peggy Bennett; his daughter, Mandy Bennett Niscavits, and her husband, Joseph Niscavits, and their daughter, Logan Niscavits; his son, Travis Bennett, and his wife, Missy Bennett, and their daughter, Simone Bennett.
He is preceded in death by his parents, and many of his Desperado friends and family.
God bless Joe Bennett. May he rest in peace, while his legacy of love, kindness, and service continues through the family and friends he cherished.
Hip Hip Hooray!
Hip Hip Hooray!
Hip Hip Hooray!
HELPFUL INFORMATION:
Family Trusted Flower Shop:
Flower Cottage of Deer Park
4510 Center St
Deer Park, TX 77536
LOCAL: (281) 542-6900
Website: https://www.flowercottageofdeerpark.net/
(link available under donations)
Parking at Sagemont Church:
From Beltway 8 E. feeder, pull into Entrance 1
Follow sign to Parking A - C
Enter Parking B (brown sign on your left) to the Worship Center South Entrance
Park and enter Chapel to the left of the covered area
LATER DATE:
**********Celebration of Life set for April 5, 2025, details to follow**********