Benigno Hernández

On November 11, 2021, our Lord and Savior called our beloved father, Benigno Hernandez, home. Benigno passed away at his residence with his loving family by his side.

His family and friends lovingly called him Benny or Coach.

Benny was born to Juana Juarez and Francisco Hernandez on February 13, 1929 in El Ranchito, Texas.  He is survived by his loving wife of 74 years, Margarita; his children and daughter-in-law, Estela Grossie, Elvira De Leon, Graciela Wright, Christina Tovar, and Gloria Hernandez.  He is also survived by his 15 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and 2 great great-children who adored him and will miss him dearly.  He is preceded in death by his sons, Jorge Luis and Luis Enrique; and daughter, Elva.

Benny learned his strong work ethic at a very young age because he lost his mother and had to help his family by working. He was a water inspector for Cameron County Water District, a valued cook for Garrett Construction, and an employee at the National Wildlife Refuge in Rio Hondo. He was a talented gardener, landscaper, carpenter, plumber, and painter.

Benny was always a man of faith who attended Mass every Sunday at St. Helen’s Catholic Church.  He was a very active member of St. Helen’s, from maintaining the church’s flower garden, serving the Holy Eucharist on Sundays, and always helping in numerous church festivities.  He had a strong connection to the Virgin Mary who he said answered many of his prayers, even to a miracle he noted.  Being a man of faith, of course he believed in Jesus his Savior.  God played a vital role in Benny’s daily life.

Benny was a humble, hardworking, caring, and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and grandfather.  He was a devoted member of the Guadalupana Society; he loved the outdoors, was an avid Rio Hondo Bobcat, a diehard Dallas Cowboys fan, and had a wonderful sense of humor.

Visitation will take place on Monday, November 15, 2021 from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home.  A recitation of the Holy Rosary will begin at 7 o’clock on Monday evening.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 16, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Helen’s Catholic Church in Rio Hondo. Following the Mass, Benny will be laid to rest at Rio Hondo Community Cemetery.