Benjamin Duran Hernandez

Benny D. Hernandez, loving husband and father of three daughters, passed away from this world to be with his Lord and Savior, at the age of 77, on Friday, November 25, 2022, surrounded by his family at his home in Odessa, Tx.

He was born in 1945, to Jesus and Amelia Hernandez in Artesia, N.M.

He graduated from Artesia High School and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1962 and was honorably discharged in 1970.  He worked as a meat market manager and meat cutter for several years before he retired.

If you asked Benny what his greatest accomplishments were in his life, he would tell you, his family.  When asked how it all began, he said, “Oh man, it was love at first sight” when he saw her walk in at a family Christmas celebration he was attending, but he said he didn’t think he stood a chance.  Well, they fell in love and he later married the love of his life, Valentina.  Their love grew and they were blessed with three daughters followed by 11 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, and 1 baby great great granddaughter.  They celebrated 60 beautiful years of marriage recently this year.  He was still expressing his love to his wife in the last hours before God took him into His loving embrace.

Benny gave his life to Jesus,he loved the Lord with all his heart and he and his wife led a lot of souls to the Lord through the prison ministry and music ministry.

He was not a lazy person and his sisters will tell you that even as a child, he always worked hard.  He was always there to lend a helping hand.  He always took care of his family, he played his guitar beautifully for special occasions and the just because moments, too.  Sometimes he would surprise us and break out singing.  He never said no to dancing and could keep up with the younger crowd.  He looked forward to spending time with his family whether it was getting together at home or going to his favorite place, Ruidoso, N.M. for camping, fishing, cooking, taking in the beauty of nature and just relaxing.  If you walked into his home and smelled a smoky aroma in the air, well, you knew he was making his favorite snack, a freshly roasted chili relleno with cheese wrapped in a tortilla.  He always found a way to learn whatever it was he needed to do, he was the smartest “Jack of all trades” and even built three houses for his family.  He enjoyed sharing stories of his childhood and reminiscing.  He liked telling jokes as well as listening to a good joke.  He was sarcastically funny.  His laughter filled our hearts with so much joy.  He was a handsome man with an amazing smile.  Everyone he knew loved him and there wasn’t a bad word you could say about him.  He had a gentle, kind, loving, giving, and humble spirit.

Twenty-two years ago, God had a completely different plan for him and we witnessed a miracle when God healed him from cancer despite the doctors saying there was nothing they could do and he would not survive.  We are eternally thankful to Our Heavenly Father for allowing this amazing man to remain with us for those additional years.  But, God’s plan would be different this time and though we still continued to pray for more time with him and he fought with all he had to stay with us, it broke our hearts to see him suffering and knew God, in His divine mercy, needed to take him to his heavenly home and give him rest.

He leaves behind the love of his life and wife, Valentina A. Hernandez, his three daughters, first born-Patricia Ann H. Morrow (Barry) of Rockwall, Tx.; his centerpiece-Bonnie Louise H. Flores (Trini) of Odessa, Tx.; his baby-Valorie Ann H. Venegas  (Joe) of Odessa, Tx.; eleven grandchildren-Reshall Castillo, Robert Hernandez, Jr., Eric Hernandez, Crystal Mendoza, Nickolas Flores, Matthew Flores, Zoë Flores, Alyxander Terrazas, Joshua Terrazas, Jovannah Venegas and Josaih Venegas and thirteen great grandchildren and one baby great great granddaughter.  He is also survived by two sisters, Angie Rodriguez of Tulare, Ca. and Connie Salcido of Grand Prairie, Tx. and brother, Jesse Hernandez, Jr. of Artesia, N.M.  and many nieces, nephews, family, friends and his dog, Max II.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesus and Amelia Hernandez, sister, Dolores Lopez, and great granddaughter, Jozelynn Varela Castillo.

Grandsons serving as Pallbearers:  Robert Hernandez, Jr., Eric Hernandez, Alyxander Terrazas, Nickolas Flores, Joshua Terrazas, Matthew Flores.

Honorary Pallbearer:  Josaih Elijah Venegas ( grandson).

Martinez Funeral Home:

Public Visitation:  Thursday, December 1, 2022, from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Rosary:  Thursday, December 1, 2022 at 7:00 p.m.

Mass will be celebrated on Friday, December 2, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 2633 Conover Ave., Odessa, Tx. 79763 with Monsignor Robert Bush officiating.

**You are invited to wear blue as this was Benny’s favorite color.

**Honoring our loved ones final wishes, cremation to follow**

The Family extends a heartfelt thank you to everyone for your thoughts, prayers, and any help you offered.  Thank you to Star Hospice for their compassionate care of our beloved.

“I am the resurrection and the light, he who believes in me shall never die”

Benny’s words he spoke:  Love, Peace, Family.