Bennie Estrada

Born in Gonzales, TX, Bennie was number 6 of 7 children born to Yndelesio and Beatriz Estrada. He loved being a country boy, working outdoors with his father and brothers until at age 19, he decided to move to Houston for a taste of big-city life. He found that he loved it. His first job, thanks to help from his Aunt Margaret, was sweeping floors in a bindery. He was immediately drawn to the letterpress department, in which he excelled for many years to come.

It was at Specialty Bindery where he met a city girl, Barbara, who also worked there. They married July 2, 1983, and soon became parents to Andy and Roxanne. As they were married for 37 ½ years at his passing, seems like opposites DO attract! Barbara was loud, she laughed a lot and sang too much, and she was taller than he was, but that’s what he loved the most.

By 1994, he opened his own Letterpress shop together with Barbara. They ran the business for 13 years. Bennie ran the shop like a well-oiled machine, with a majority of his employees being related to him. He became a true artist in his field.

After the shop was sold, he stayed on as manager until he fell ill in June, 2006.

Ever since he had children, kids became his world. Not only did he coach baseball for both of his kids, he included all of his nieces, nephews, and even neighborhood kids in all kinds of activities. Bike rides, bike trails, the beach, renting a beach house for the weekend where we slept like sardines packed shoulder to shoulder, water parks, rodeos, Monster Truck shows, moto-cross shows, deep-sea fishing, pier fishing at Seawolf Park, tank fishing (he liked fishing!) go- carts at Speedies, you name it, he took us all. Always with laughter and silly nicknames that he made up for everybody, and seemingly tireless energy. He was a ‘joker’ with everybody that he knew. It would make his day to make someone smile.

He adored both his father (Andy), and mother (Beatriz), and his siblings, Larry Estrada, William Estrada, Vera Estrada, Emilio Estrada, Raquel Rivera and Susan Hernandez, and their spouses as well. He loved his aunts, uncles and cousins. One of Barbara’s fondest memories was their dates consisting of visiting family member’s homes! This close-family life was what Bennie gave to our family selflessly, effortlessly, and happily.

He fell ill with a brain injury in June of 2006. He tried very hard to remain the same man he had been. When he moved back to Oak Manor Nursing Facility in Flatonia, he was still the funny, flirty, smiling man he had always been, and was loved for. Barbara is so proud that her children were raised with this man and sees him in them every day.

Even in the toughest times, he always tried to maintain that strong, loving and joyous nature that everyone loves so much. This was the man that brought happiness to so many.

Bennie and Barbara have six grandchildren as each of their kids had three of their own. Damion Estrada, Abigail Marie Estrada, Xavier Mendez, Aubrey Nina Mendez, Gabriel Estrada and Audrina Jade Mendez. The only times Bennie deeply regretted his injury were the times he missed with them, games, performances and general goofing around.

These last few years were very hard for us all but please do not remember him like this. Please honor Bennie’s memory by “Work hard and play harder”. “Make your family happy and make them laugh”. “Kiss them hello and goodbye. Every. Time.” Think of him with smiles and happy memories. Remembering the happy times you shared with him, that is what he would want.

Much appreciation for the many teams of people who helped Bennie during his illness. His family, friends, Drs. Ohanian and Su in Houston, and Dr. Kocurick in Flatonia. Deep and sincere gratitude go to all of the staff and help at Oak Manor Nursing Facility of Flatonia, TX.

May God Bless and Comfort us all at this heartbreaking time.