Adan Benavides, Sr., 87, of Kingsville, Texas, went to be with our Heavenly Father on Sunday, December 11, 2011. He was born on February 15, 1924, in Hebbronville, Texas to Lucio and Juanita Garza Benavides. He was employed by the Missouri-Pacific Railroad line and later, the Texas Highway Department until he retired. Adan served his country proudly in the United States Army and was Honorably Discharged as a veteran.

He leaves a legacy of love and caring that will be cherished by all who knew him. He was a loving husband of 66 years to his best friend and wife, Hilda Canales Benavides. Together they forged a lifetime of beautiful memories and a wonderful family. He loved his children and grandchildren unconditionally. There was never a day when he didn't have a smile and words of encouragement for his family and friends. He was always kind and generous to everyone he met, and it was not unusual to find him talking to strangers and making new friends. Because he was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend to one and all, he will be missed dearly.

Adan is survived by his wife, Hilda Canales Benavides and four sons: Filomeno Benavides of Corpus Christi, Adan (Carol) Benavides of Corpus Christi, Ernesto Benavides of Kingsville, and Jaime (Cindy) Benavides of Kingsville.

He leaves behind his adored grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchild as well as a host of nieces and nephews. Adan is also survived by his brother, Lucio Benavides, of Chicago and his sister, Evelia Mesa of Corpus Christi as well as his wonderful friend, Lisa Iannotti of New York.

Visitation will begin at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at the Kingsville Memorial Funeral Home with Rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. that same evening.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m. at St. Martin Catholic Church on Wednesday, December 14, 2011. Interment will follow at the Santa Gertrudis Cemetery.