Robert Wesley Benson

Robert Wesley Benson, born 09/25/1942 to Robert J. and Jane Wilson Benson in El Paso, Texas at Southwestern Hospital. Wes was sent home with his Lord on May 5th, 2023. He passed away peacefully in his sleep at 0415 at the Cook Foster Home, which he referred to as “home”. He developed a deep and meaningful relationship with his caregiver Juanita Preciado, whom we will forever be indebted to for her caring and love as she took pristine care of our husband and Father. Moreover, his home care nurse, Delia Huerta from Cloudview Home Healthcare, would often make extra house calls just to check on Dad; even after Hospice took over the case, Delia would stop by to check on Dad. We will never forget Delia’s compassionate care. Interestingly, it was Delia and Cloudview who also helped our Grandma Pete and Aunt Vivian when they passed. Delia is surely “part of the family”. Hospice of El Paso assisted Wes in his final hours and they did so expertly, and with great compassion and comfort. Abby Asselin and Jennifer Anderson, our Hospice of El Paso Nurses, explained the Hospice process with precision, compassion and caring. As it would be (surely a God thing), Jennifer is family. Jennifer is the sister of Phil Orozco, Wes’s dear son in law. While I am sure we have left out people, we want to sincerely thank all of those (there were many) who helped our Dad along the way over these past 3-years while Dad was declining in his health and function. Everybody was kind and helpful, never having a “bad” caregiver. We want to take this opportunity to explain Wes Benson, and his life.

Wes married the love of his life, Frances Patricia “Patty” Benson on April 3rd, 1964. Wes and Patty were working together at the El Paso Natural Gas Company, when Dad swooped in to sweep our Mom off her feet. Fondly, Mom (Patty) loves to tell the story that the single most impressive thing about Wes were his manners. “Wes held open the building and car doors for me. I had never seen such great respect and manners”. This was the “hook”. Wes and Patty were married for 59 years!! Wes was born with Polio, but this never held him back from doing the things he always wanted to do; except to become an NFL quarterback! His brother, Larry Benson “Uncle Larry”, who, it is reported, was the antagonist in his life development story, joined him in childhood. Uncle Larry found ways to “find some trouble”, but it was Wes who would try to wrangle Larry back in, sometimes successfully, sometimes not. While Wes would “try" (wink, wink), he very much relished his time of shenanigans with his young brother, often involving Chevy Tri-5’s, and Uncle’s ‘57 Corvette. Once Wes married Patty, there was a new, younger participant in their adventures; Jimmy Peterson “Uncle Jimmy”. Dad, Uncle Larry and Uncle Jimmy could tell countless stories of their adventures, usually revolving around something with a hot rod engine! They shared their passion for cars, up to the week before Wes’s death.

Wes worked for several years as the Shop Foreman at Car Parts Depot, and then 25 years at Rudolph Chevrolet as the Fleet and Lease manager. Wes made many friends working all those years; many of whom have called to offer their condolences. Wes developed a very meaningful relationship with Rudolph Chevrolet owner, Dennis Neesen. It was Dennis who sold to dad his pride and joy of a boat, THE BAJA; which will be seen in several of the pictures during Dad's remembrance collage. Dad really loved that boat! However, a couple side stories of the Baja is that we would be remiss to not mention Dad's two other "famous toys", the famed 1960 Carry-All Suburban called the WHITE WHALE and his '56 Chevy which mom "affectionately" called the ALBATROSS. I would call on Aunt Janice to tell the story of the "1976 1st Roll-Over turkey" trophy. if you don't know this story, hang around because I am sure it will be discussed several times over, being rather embellished each time it is told! As for the Albatross, look no further than Mom to tell the countless stories of back-fires thru the carbie, or of breaking the gear set during burn-outs, 1st pass, in Abilene. God, they loved that car! Following their days at the lake and some drag racing, Mom and Dad bought their “retirement home”, a 43 foot Entegra Motorhome. They lived the life of luxury out on the road for 12 years, prior to Wes becoming sick after surgery. During their glorious 59 years of marriage, Wes and Patty raised their two children, Wesley Benson, II (Elisa Kahn) and Chana Orozco (Phil Orozco). Wes beamed with pride when both of his children graduated from college; Wesley with a degree in Physical Therapy and Chana with a degree in Education. Both Wesley and Chana have storied careers in their occupations, Wesley currently working at Tier 1 Physical Therapy and Chana at Every Little Blessings Preschool.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to: everylittleblessing.org/donate, or checks payable to El Paso Special Needs, subject line Wes Benson. Wes had a large family, which he adored each and every one of them. Wesley and Elisa, and their children Sara Summers, Bailey Benson, Jacob Kahn, Emily Kahn, and Julia Lerer, as well as granddaughters Ava Benson and Adalee Anchondo. Chana and Phil, and their 3 daughters Madison Andujo, Savannah Orozco, and Taylor Andujo. Brother Larry Benson and his children Brett (deceased), and Ashlee Benson Maslik (Tre). Brother-in-law Jimmy Peterson and his son, Rick Peterson (Shanna). As well as many cousins.

Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, May 23, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Martin Funeral Home West, 128 N. Resler Dr., El Paso, TX 79912.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MartinFuneralHomeWest.com for the Benson family