Benjamin Avila Guajardo

Benjamin Avila Guajardo passed away peacefully at the age of 95 in his home in Houston, TX surrounded by loved ones. He was born in Hargill, TX, on March 13, 1929 to Refugio Guajardo and Anita Avila.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his seven older siblings Celia, Victoria, Abel, Ruben, Olivia, Ezequiel, Anita, his first wife of 35 years Angelita Garza Guajardo, and his daughter Belinda Moncrief.

He is survived by his children: Cynthia Mustonen, Abigail Ingbretson and her husband Roger Ingbretson, Benjie Guajardo, and Benjamin Guajardo Jr.

He is also survived by his six grandchildren: Veronica Truan, Charles Truan and his wife Amy Truan, Heikki Mustonen, Vanessa Cook and her husband Dennis Cook, Adam Guajardo and Candice Palacios-Hoang and her husband Brandon Hoang. Additionally, he is survived by his seven great-grandchildren: Victoria Battle and her husband Joey Battle, Elizabeth Desselle and her husband Nick Donlan, Ava Truan, Charlie Truan, Elijah Truan, Andrew Cook, and Alison Cook. He also has two great-great-grandchildren: Joseph Battle and June Battle.

Ben was a notable brick mason, well known for his skill. He became the first Hispanic member of the Bricklayers, Masons and Plasterers' Union of America. He owned a bricklaying company throughout his life and mentored many family members and friends, including lifelong family friend Eddie Cahoon.

Ben loved to tell stories of his masonry days, many of which involved values of hard work, grit, and determination-- a value he instilled in each and every one of his descendants, even in his later days of life.

Ben was a man of deep faith who loved the Lord and his church. The son of a Methodist lay preacher, he was a lifelong and active member of the United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to Terrace United Methodist Church, 1203 Wirt Rd, Houston, TX 77056.