Gustavo Benavidez Jr., 88, of Corpus Christi, TX, passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and family on December 30, 2024.

He was born in Sinton, TX on January 7, 1936, to Gustavo Benavidez Sr. and Nicanora Ruiz. He went on to graduate high school from W.B. Ray in 1956. In 1961, he enlisted into the United States Army where he proudly completed a tour of duty and honorably discharged in 1963. Being driven by a call for service, he joined the Corpus Christi Fire Dept in 1969 and served the community for 22 years. Gustavo will also fondly be remembered for his great passion for music and love for his Mexican heritage which helped him establish El Mariachi Estrella, where he joyfully sang and played guitar/accordion for over 30 years. He later fulfilled his time during retirement serving as an usher for the past 20 years and volunteer for various functions at his beloved parish, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church.

Gustavo was preceded in death by his parents, Gustavo Benavidez Sr. and Nicanora Ruiz. His siblings: Delia (Ovidio) Garcia; Jesus (Lydia) Benavidez; Roberto Benavidez; Rosalinda (Arnold) Tellez; his daughter Dilia Lott (Mark); mother and father-in-law, Maria L. Perales and Pablo D. Perales Jr; and brother-in-laws: Pablo D. Perales III; Robert P. Garza (Brenda).

He is survived by his wife of 34 yrs, Barbara P. Benavidez and step-daughter Kristin Hoover (Craig) and children (Noah, Henry, James). His siblings: Bertha (Italo) Guerra; Maria (+Ruben) Lopez; Rene (+Irma) Benavidez; Estella (+Matt) Martinez; and Diana (+Manuel) Barrera. His children: Norma Benavidez; Rene Benavidez; Debra Benavidez; Brenda Ricketts (Brian); and Michael Benavidez (Marika). He is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; aunts and uncles; cousins; sister-in-laws, and brother-in-laws.

Visitation will be held from 4PM-8PM on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, with Rosary being recited at 6:30 PM at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church 5830 Williams Drive. Funeral mass will follow at the church on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at 11:30AM, with burial 1:00PM at Seaside Cemetery.
The following have the distinguished honor to serve as pallbearers:

Robert D. DeLaRosa, Jesse Mendoza, Jacques (Dave) Mouttet, Marisella (Mari) Munoz,
Michael Rodriguez, and Robert Rodriguez Jr.
Honorary Pallbearers: Tony Guzman and Pete Salazar (W.B. Ray HS classmates of 56')

A warm, heart-felt thank you to the following who helped care for and support Gustavo during his time of illness: the doctors and nurses @ Christus Spohn Shoreline; Father Frank, Deacon Ron, and the parishioners of Our Lady of Perpetual Help; and all close family and dear friends who took the time to visit, text, call, and share their love and kindness so compassionately.