Benjamin Alfonso Peña

Benjamin Alfonso Peña, 64, of Katy, Texas lost his courageous 6 ½ year fight against lung cancer on April 23, 2012 at the Vitas Hospice in Houston, Texas. Ben was born in Brownsville, Texas to Adolfo Peña, (deceased) and Berta Treviño Peña on April 30, 1947.

Ben graduated from Brownsville High in May, 1965 and worked for Batsel’s in Brownsville for a number of years before he decided to relocate to Rosenberg, Texas in 1969. He then worked for Gulf States Tube (later Vision Metals) for 32 years where he was very active in Local Union 5754. He held the offices of Recording Secretary, Vice President and President where he also led several contract negotiations with the company. After Gulf States Tube closed, he then worked for Sam’s Club in Sugarland, Texas for five years until he could no longer work because of illness.

He enjoyed riding motorcycles and owned several over the years. He was always very proud to tell friends that he and his wife had traveled to 32 states and 3 Canadian provinces on the motorcycle. One of his most cherished trips was the three week trip to Calgary, Canada with his wife and twin brother, Ruben.

Ben really enjoyed watching the Astros play each year and when the season ended, he could not wait until spring when the season would start again. He made a couple of trips out of town to watch them play and enjoyed the trips very much. His other favorite team was the New York Yankees which he followed very closely as he had MLB Extra Innings so that he could follow the team.

He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Karen of Katy, Texas and his 90 year old mother, Berta, of Mission Texas; brother, Adolfo (Fito) Peña III of Santa Monica, California, twin brother, Ruben Peña of Riverside California; sisters, Alma Bailey and husband Al of Mission, Texas, Melinda Garza of Houston, Dilia (DD) Giguere and husband Jim of Wheatland, California; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his brother, David Peña of Houston, Texas.

Ben was truly loved by his family and friends. We mourn his passing and will miss his quick witted responses as he always brought a laugh to everyone around him.

We wish to thank the doctors and nurses of Vitas Hospice for providing such tender and loving care during his final days.

Join the Peña family in a Tribute to his Life which will be held at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, 13001 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77079, on Thursday, April 26, 2012, at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Vitas Hospice Charitable Fund, 4848 Loop Central Drive, Suite 650, Houston, Texas 77081.