Benjamin R. Aguirre

Benjamin was born on November 14, 1932, in Coleman, TX, to Irene and Leonardo G. Aguirre. In 1953, he married Amelia Rosales, and they settled in Abilene. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and then continued his military service in the U.S. Army Reserve 490th Civil Affairs Company where he served for 27 years. In the 1960s and 70s, Benjamin along with his wife served as community leaders, organizers, and activists. They championed economic, social, and political change as staunch supporters of civil rights, fair housing access, voting rights, equal education opportunities, women’s rights, and fair labor practices. Collectively, they initiated legal action to gain equal rights locally and nationally. Ben was an electrician by trade and a proud member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), a union of which he remained affiliated to the day of his passing. He worked hard to provide for and sustain his family. Well into his later years, Ben “Grandpa” played an active role in raising both grandchildren and great-grandchildren alike. He is often described as good-natured, kind, hardworking, and charitable. He could never turn down an opportunity to help someone whether they needed a carpenter, plumber, mechanic, electrician, or chauffeur.

He is survived by his children, Nelli, Susie (wife, Jennifer), and Jonathan Aguirre, all of Austin; his grandchildren, Andrea Esparza, Yolanda Hicks, Alexandria Garza Hurford (husband, David), Lilli Aguirre, Zacheri Espinoza; siblings, Cecilia Germain, Antonia Herrera, Gloria Robertson, Linda Martinez, Juan Aguirre, and Ramon Aguirre; and a highly cherished nephew, Garrett Pope, who was like a grandson to Ben.

Benjamin is preceded in death by his wife, Amelia Aguirre; parents, Leonardo G. Aguirre and Irene Rodriguez Herrera (stepfather, Aurelio Herrera); siblings, Leon Aguirre, Celia Gonzales, and Irene Aguirre; sons, Andrés Aguirre, Cary Lynn Aguirre, and Benjamin Leo Aguirre; and granddaughter, Erica Esparza Whitley.

A viewing will begin at 9:00 am. A Prayer and Remembrance Service will begin at 10:00 am, followed by interment in the Elliott-Hamil Garden of Memories.

Please leave condolences for the family at www.elliotthamilfuneralhomes.com.