Liborio “Lee” Benavides Jr., age 94, of Port Lavaca, Texas, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. Born on April 28, 1930, Lee lived a long, fulfilling life rooted in love, service, and community.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Francisca Robles Benavides, with whom he shared a beautiful love story that began with handwritten letters and a heartfelt song he wrote after seeing her for the first time. Their love was truly one for ages.
Lee was a devoted father to his daughters, Carmen Benavides of Port Lavaca, and Lucy Calzada (Victor) of Port Lavaca; and sons, Ruben Benavides (Imelda) of Port Lavaca, and Robert “Bobby” Benavides (Nelda) of Tivoli, TX. He is also survived by his sister, Connie Munoz; 17 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Liborio Benavides Sr. and Maria Del Carmen Villafranca; his brother Pete Benavides; and his grandchild, Rosalinda Benavides.
A proud U.S. Army veteran, Lee honorably served his country during the Korean War from 1952 to 1954 and was awarded the “Ambassador for Peace” medal by the Republic of Korea in recognition of his service. Throughout his life, Lee was a man of many talents and passions. He worked as a welder for C.F. Bean in Point Comfort, Texas, and later served as a custodian at Calhoun High School for six years. After working at CHS he also worked at First National Bank. He was deeply connected to his community—volunteering with the VFW and attending funeral services whenever he could.
Lee loved the simple joys of life—fishing, gardening, singing, and cheering on the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Astros, and the CHS Sandcrabs. He even wrote a few songs, sharing his love and creativity with those around him. Known for his kindness, generosity, and unwavering love for his family and community, Lee’s presence left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.
Visitation will be held Sunday, April 27, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with a Rosary at 6:00 p.m., at Angel Lucy’s Funeral Home, Port Lavaca, TX. Visitation will resume at Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church on Monday, April 28, 2025, beginning at 1:00 p.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 2:00 p.m. He will be laid to rest at Green Lawn Cemetery. The Pallbearers will be Ruben Benavides Jr., Ryan Escobar, Paul Rodriguez Jr., Alex Benavides, Aaron Escobar, and Rocky Benavides. Honorary pallbearers are Rocky Ybarra Jr., Carson Benavides and Anthony Ybarra. Lee’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved him. He will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered.
Under the care of Angel Lucy's Funeral Home