Benjamin Camarena Jr. (Ben) was born July 7, 1940, in Madera, California. He was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin Camarena Sr. and Maria Rodriquez Camarena. He was raised in Madera and attended Madera High. Then, he enlisted in the Marines and served four years, stationed in Hawaii and Japan. Shortly after the Marines, he worked at General Motors in Fremont, California. He met the love of his life, Olga Meison, in San Jose, California. Within three months they married, December 27, 1963, and he moved her home to Madera. Ben became a Union sheet metal worker in Fresno and later retired from that occupation.
Ben also was preceded in death by two sisters, Helen Roberts and Connie Hernandez. Surviving siblings are Maria Ruth Tarvin, Carmen Sanchez and Daniel Camarena.
He was preceded in death by one son, Efrain (Frank) Camarena. Ben has four surviving sons: Benjamin Camarena III (wife Paula), Isaac Camarena (wife Bridgette), Alex Camarena, and Max Camarena. The eight Camarena grandchildren are Angelina Camarena Quintero (husband Alberto), Isaac, Benjamin IV (wife Allie), Michael, Monique, Joseph, Jonathon, and Ryan. The nine Camarena great-grandchildren are Julian, Xavier, Evan, Damian, Cienna, Brooklyn, Elijah, Joseph Jr., and Evelyn.
Ben was known as a great family provider. He had many strengths plus a great amount of wisdom and love. He loved his family, friends, and work. Three of his sons and one grandson followed in his steps as Union sheet metal workers, Local 104. One of those sons and another grandson also joined the military just like him. Ben always wanted to share his knowledge of fishing, frog gigging and shooting a bow. I’m sure you have many fond memories of Ben, too. (Pause) He was a great coach throughout his children’s childhood and would give advice when needed. He will be remembered as a legend to the Camarena family and will be strongly missed by all of us, but never forgotten. He lived a full life and ended his journey on earth March 29, 2023. He is at rest with the Lord.
A visitation for Benjamin will be held Thursday, April 20, 2023 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home, 836 E. Nees Ave., Fresno, CA 93720. A funeral service will occur Friday, April 21, 2023 at 10:00 AM, 836 E. Nees Ave., Fresno, CA 93720. A graveside service will occur Friday, April 21, 2023 at 12:00 PM at Calvary Cemetery, 28447 Avenue 14, Madera, CA 93638.
Serving as pallbearers are Michael Camarena, Isaac Camarena, Joseph Camerena, Jonathon Camarena, Ryan Camarena and Benjamin Camarena IV.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitehurstsullivan.com for the Camarena family.
