Gus Benavides Sr.

Gustavo Castillo Benavides Sr., 78, of Bryan, passed away on Tuesday, October 4, 2022. Gus will be remembered by those that knew him as strong, loving, and funny. He will be missed and memories will be cherished.

Gus was born on September 11, 1944, to his parents, Ramon and Cecilia Benavides, in San Antonio, Texas. Gus grew up in a large and loving family with him being one of 15 children. 

Gus met the love of his life, Esperanza, outside of a grocery store called the Humpty-Dumpty. One glance at each other, and they were smitten. They married three months later, and started a family. Together they had six children, Gus Jr., Catherine, Belinda, Priscilla, Kriscelda, and Kristyn. Family was important to Gus, and he enjoyed being around Hope, his kids, and his grand babies. He loved being surrounded by family, listening to music, sitting around and telling them stories, or reminiscing about his childhood and past years. He expressed a special love for his brothers and sisters, too. 

Although Gus did not have a church home, he knew he was saved by God’s grace. He would sing worship songs at church for a period of time. When he sang, he sang with conviction and joy. He never turned from God. He understood his personal relationship with God is what mattered. He loved the Lord, and God knew his heart. 

Gus will be reunited with his parents, Ramon and Cecilia Benavides; brothers, Pete Benavides Sr., Louis Benavides Sr., and Marcos Benavides; sister, Janie Benavides; beloved grandsons, Gus III and Dillon Benavides; and his furry family member, Pearl.

His memory will be cherished by his wife, Esperanza; children, Gus Benavides Jr. and wife Nissa, Catherine Benavides, Belinda Hinojosa and husband Benjamin Sr., Priscilla Siegert and husband Coty, Kriscelda Shadwell and husband Peter Sr., Kristyn Benavides and partner Blake Phillips; 22 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; siblings, Rudy Benavides Sr., Carlos Benavides, Raymond Benavides, Joe Benavides Sr., Frank Benavides, Roy Benavides, Henry Benavides, Maria Alvarado, Sally Benavides, and Martha Benavides; his brothers and sisters in love of the Alvarado family; and furry family member, Zak.