With deep sorrow, the family of Homer “Mario” Benavides announces his passing on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at a hospital in Corpus Christi, Texas. Born on January 19, 1948, in Falfurrias, Texas, to Rev. Eusebio Benavides and Aurora Bazan Benavides, Homer lived a full and meaningful 77 years. After graduating from Falfurrias High School, Homer proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam Era, achieving the rank of Sergeant. His service continued in the National Guard and later the Army Reserves, totaling 14 years of honorable military duty.
In June of 1968, Homer married the love of his life, Leocadia “Lucky” Martinez. Together they raised two children, Rebecca and Isaac, and lovingly brought up their grandson, Riccardo, as a son. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Homer was known for his kind heart, unwavering strength, and steadfast dedication to his family. As a lifelong farmer, he spent countless hours baling hay and working on the land he loved. He also dedicated over 37 years to safely transporting students as a school bus driver for Brooks County ISD, earning the admiration and respect of generations of families in his community. He loved the students and his career. His family is proud to say he was known by many as a “good man”.
Homer was a proud member of the American Legion and was recently honored by the Texas Outdoor Heroes Veterans Association for his service. He loved hosting family gatherings at his ranch, barbecuing, fishing, dancing, listening to music, and repairing anything he could get his hands on. His ranch was his pride and joy, and the memories made there will be treasured forever. His personality was like no other. He was friendly, funny, patient, smart, generous, and kind and will be remembered for the life he lived, the love he gave, the memories, and all the nicknames he left us with.
It brings comfort to know he is reunited in Heaven with his parents; brothers, Jacinto and Marcos Benavides; sisters, Lydia Arredondo and Evangelina Zarate; many infant siblings, and family members.
Homer is survived by his wife of over 57 years, Lucky Benavides of Falfurrias; daughter, Rebecca (Roel) Casanova of Springtown, Texas; sons, Isaac (LeeAn) Benavides of Corpus Christi, and Riccardo Rodriguez of Springtown; three sisters, Rev. Esmeralda (Daniel) Rodriguez, Amanda B. Garza, and Criselda (Corry) Escalante all of Falfurrias, grandchildren, Mi-Angel Gabriella (Rodolfo) Reveles of Springtown, Eusebio Juan Benavides and Nicholas Jacinto Benavides both of Corpus Christi; two great-grandchildren, Jaime Lorenzo Reveles and Genevieve Pilar Castro; Goddaughter, Marta Lee Zarate of San Antonio, Texas and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.
Pallbearers will be Eusebio J. Benavides, Nicholas J. Benavides, Roel Casanova, Rudy Reveles, Faustino "Tino" Aleman III, Heriberto Arredondo, Phillip Morones, and Caiden Escalante. Honorary Pallbearers are Mi-Angel G. Reveles, Riccardo J. Rodriguez, Marta Zarate, Abram Benavides, and Jaime Lorenzo Reveles.
Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at Funeraria Del Angel Howard Williams in Falfurrias with Visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Burial, with Military Honors, will follow at the Benavides Family Cemetery in La Copita, Texas in Duval County.
