The heart of a Golden Angel among men stopped beating on August 1 when Nicolas Benavidez passed away in El Paso surrounded by his loving family. He was 88 years old.
Funeral Services for Nicolas where held on Thursday, August 4, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Van Horn. Military Honor burial followed at Van Horn Cemetery. Pastor Ruben and Diana Arazate officiated.
Those honoring Nicolas as pallbearers where, Poncho Baca, Alfonso Gonzalez, Nuney Gonzalez, Sammy Baca, Eric Benavidez and Nicolas Benavidez, III.
He was born on May 14, 1928 in Van Horn to Gil and Arcadia Benavidez he was a lifelong resident. He was a carpenter by trade.
Nicolas was married the love of his life Chona Navarrette Benavidez and together they raised four wonderful children. Nicolas answered the call of his country and served three years in the United States Army with a tour in Korea. Nicolas was also a boxer for the United States Army. Upon returning to Van Horn, he continued his trade as a carpenter that was near and dear to him.
Nicolas was a Christian and would share the word of Jesus Christ to all. Nicolas placed the bible verse John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” on his truck so all might be blessed and comforted by Jesus’s message.
Nicolas was a member of the local American Legion Post in which he attended funerals that where held for his fellow veterans showing compassion and aiding the families with comfort.
Nicolas is preceded in death by his parents Gil and Arcadia Benavidez. Many of Nick’s works can be seen around town including the cemetery benches and flower pots.
Nicolas is survived by his loving wife Chona Benavidez, his son’s Nicolas Benavidez, Gil Benavidez of Van Horn, his daughters Dian Gonzales and husband Alfonso of Midland and Adelita Baca and her husband Alfonso of Van Horn, ten grandchildren and twenty-four great-grandchildren, as well as many friends.
The Nicolas Benavidez family entrusted Heritage Funeral Home of Van Horn with professional services. Online condolences may be made at www.pecosfuneralhome.com.
BORREGO, Ysrael Sr.
Ysrael Borrego, Sr., 81 entered into eternal life on Monday, August 1, in El Paso surrounded by his family. Mr. Borrego was born on September 21, 1934 to Juan Borrego and Felipa Carrillo Borrego in Gordon, Texas. Viewing/Rosary was held Thursday, August 4, at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church recited by Father Tonio Martinez. Funeral mass was held on Friday with burial at Van Horn Cemetery with full military honors. Pallbearers were grandchildren, Oscar Borrego, Jr., David Borrego, Robert (Bo) Harper, Christopher Ryan Harper, Daniel Borrego and great grandchild Miguel Molinar.
Mr. Borrego was a business owner of Big Bend Truck Stop, manager of musical group Latin Group for many years and devoted his time to Van Horn Red Sox before retiring from Culberson County Road & Bridge Department after 27 years. Always providing for his wife and five children and following them wherever they went.
Mr. Borrego served in the U.S. Army for two years as a Specialist Third Class before marrying the love of his life, Frances Gomez on October 20, 1958. They had children losing 6 month old son Jerry. Mr. Borrego is survived by his wife of 57 years, Frances, sons, Israel Jr., and his wife Sooky, Oscar Sr., and Rosa Reyes, daughters, Frances, (Kika) Harper, Debra, and Veronica, all of Van Horn. Sister Juanita and husband Alfredo Aguilar, Sr. of El Paso. He had 11 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents Juan and Felipa Borrego, son Jerry Borrego, granddaughter Miranda A. Molinar and 3 brothers, Ysmael, Samuel and Abel Borrego. Funeral arrange,ents entrusted to Memorial Funeral Home of Fort Stockton.
