Robert "Ben" Benjamin Awalt

A proud native Texan has gone home to be with his heavenly father. Robert Benjamin Awalt, known as Ben, was born in San Antonio, Texas, on February 21, 1977, on the anniversary of the first day of the Battle of San Jacinto, the fight that won Texas’s independence.

Within minutes of meeting someone new, Ben would proudly inform them he was from South Texas (Ben was not just from Texas – he was from South Texas) and then add that he was a fourth-generation cattle rancher.

Ben was raised on a ranch in Beeville, Texas. He had fond memories of learning how to raise cattle and tend the land at a young age by his father and grandpa. Ben enjoyed the tradition of trail rides with his father and friends. His FFA team won the state championship in the Range Land competition. Ben played on the golf team and graduated from A.C. Jones High School in 1995.

Ben attended Texas A&M University. His experience with farm equipment growing up later led to a passion for rebuilding cars. He worked as a diesel mechanic for Texas A&M University while he was a student, and graduated with a bachelor of science in agricultural development in 2000.

Ben was a natural salesman, and made a career of it in the winemaking industry. He loved being in the field, talking to people and building relationships. He could engage in conversation with anyone, no matter their background or education. Ben was a great storyteller and unapologetic for his opinions and the way he led his life. He enjoyed traveling to South Africa, South America and Europe to meet winemakers he represented.

Ben believed strongly in helping Texas kids get an education, and dedicated more than a decade to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. He began serving on the Wine Garden Committee, eventually as vice chairman from 2011-2015. He served as chairman for the Winery Relations Committee from 2016 to 2019. Ben’s knowledge of wine and viticulture along with his leadership was an integral part of what made all of the wine committees what they are today.

Ben loved his wife Susan and daughter Ainsley Grace more than anything in his life. He was a natural at taking care of Ainsley when she was young. Just like his Grandpa taught him how to drive a truck, he put her behind the wheel of his truck while on the ranch before she could reach the pedal. Ainsley spent many days tagging along with Ben at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. He loved being a Dad and was immensely proud of his girl.

A firearms enthusiast, Ben was an avid collector with a collection of many different types and builds of guns. He bought guns much like women buy shoes or handbags, always enumerating for his wife the many reasons he needed a new gun. Despite his love for collecting a variety, he always had a deep affection for a good side-by-side or an over-and-under shotgun.

He had a passion for hunting, especially dove hunting with his friends. He loved his boots, cowboy hats, guns and black Labrador retrievers. He lit up when recalling hunting stories about his favorite black lab, Bud. He loved a good steak and when asked how he wanted it cooked, he would say he wanted to see it bleeding. He loved a good dinner and quality evening spent with friends. He had a big heart and he was fiercely loyal to those he called friends.

He was also fearless. Whenever he saw a person or an animal in harm’s way, he grabbed his pistol and protected others even if it meant putting himself in harms way. The most difficult of those times was when he helped fellow Aggies who were injured in the tragic Texas A&M bonfire accident.

Ben passed from this life onto the next on January 7, 2024. He was met with love by family who had gone before him, including his father, Robert Awalt, and his grandparents, Mildred and Bill Algea and Edna and Rolland Awalt. The family left here to celebrate his life on earth are his daughter Ainsley Awalt, wife Susan Awalt, mother Margie Ann Awalt, sister Marianne Peters, brother-in-law Robbie Peters, and niece and nephew Mary Grace Peters and Cade Peters, as well as his mother-in-law Becky Dietrich, father-in law Steven Dietrich, brother-in-law Steve Dietrich and Steve’s daughter Elise Dietrich. Ben is also survived by Ainsley’s favorite black lab, Milo. They are joined by many friends to whom Ben was steadfast and loyal.

After a private burial, a celebration of life will be held on Thursday, January 18, 2024, at Houston’s First Baptist Church (Cypress Campus), located at 11011 Mason Road in Cypress, at 1:00 pm. Serving as honorary pallbearers are Cade Peters, Robbie Peters, Steve Dietrich, Ryan Garcia, Fred Dodd, Justin Die, Stewart Hames and Rhett Shumpert. In lieu of flowers, Ben would have appreciated support for the Texas 4-H Youth Development Foundation, a non-profit foundation formed to recognize superior service and achievement among Texas 4-H members and volunteers. Donations may be made online via texas4hfoundation.org.

Ben always said that he was “going out with his boots on,” so family and friends are encouraged to wear boots to honor his memory. When you’re appreciating the beauty of the great state of Texas or enjoying a great steak with good friends, think of Ben Awalt.