Enrique Fernando Benavides

Enrique Fernando Benavides, Sr. went to be with the Lord and his beloved wife, Lydia, on Thursday, October 25, 2018 at the age of 102. Enrique was born in Laredo, Texas, on May 30, 1916, the first of four children of Enrique Clemente Benavides and Josefa Garcia Benavides. He graduated from the University of Texas Pharmacy School in 1942.  He began his career at Guajardo’s Drug Store and continued his career at Central Drug Store and Professional Pharmacy which he purchased in 1954 Enrique was a man with a servant’s heart who glorified God not just with words, but with actions.  He knew his deep need for God’s grace and the forgiveness which can only be found in the LORD Jesus and gave his life to Christ. He was honest, humble, hard-working, and generous.  He was a man who lived his faith every day, a model of kindness and goodness, and a prayer warrior for all.  His life was blessed by 65 years of marriage to the love of his life, Lydia Donovan, and God’s gift of two children, 6 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Enrique C. and Josefa Benavides; his beloved wife, Lydia Donovan Benavides; sisters, Elsa Benavides Smith, Alma Benavides Fecher and Josephine Benavides Beach. Enrique is survived by his son, Dr. Enrique F.(Rosa) Benavides; daughter Lydia (Homero) Gutierrez of Mission, TX; his six grandchildren, Dr. Enrique F. (Laura) Benavides, III,  Dr. Homero Luis (Sandra) Gutierrez, Jr. of Erie, Colorado, Adriana Benavides(Edward) Maddox, Dr. Lorena Benavides (Dr. Robert) Marshall of Raleigh, North Carolina,  Alma Gutierrez of San Antonio, and Ana Lisa (Dr. Wun) Agustin of Winston-Salem, North Carolina; his eleven great-grandchildren, Enrique Fernando IV and Carolina Benavides; Hannah & Olivia Gutierrez; Edward Henry & Alexandra Maddox; Emma Rose & Charlotte Josephine Marshall; and Bennett, Harper and Austen Agustin; and many nieces and nephews. A prayer service will be held on Sunday, October 28, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. in the Hillside Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Monday, October 29, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. Interment will follow to the City of Laredo Cemetery with a graveside service. Pallbearers will be Dr. Enrique F. Benavides III, Dr. Homero L. Gutierrez Jr., Edward Frederick Maddox, Edward Henry Maddox, Daniel Sosa, and Rogelio Martinez. Honorary Pallbearers will be Adriana Benavides Maddox, Dr. Lorena Benavides, Alma Gutierrez, and Ana Lisa Agustin. In lieu of flowers, you are welcome to make gifts in memory of Enrique F. Benavides, Sr. to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, NC. 28201 or Gideons International, PO Box 450273, Laredo, TX  78045. The Benavides and Gutierrez families wish to acknowledge with deep appreciation: Dr. Jose R. Garcia, Caregivers: Prude Rosas, Maria Gonzalez, Liliana and Mariana Espinoza, Serenity Hospice Care: Oseas Gomez, RN and Alexandra Lopez, RN. If you would like to sign the guestbook or send private condolences, you may do so at www.hillsidefuneral.com        Arrangements are under the direction of Hillside Funeral Home, 310 Hillside Road