Leonard Benitez Sr.

Leonard A. Benitez Sr., 85 passed away Monday, January 30, 2017 at his residence.  Prayer Services will be 7:00 Thursday, February 2, 2017 in the Chapel at Broadway Funeral Directors. Military honors and graveside services for Mr. Benitez will be 2:00 p.m., Friday, February 3, 2017 in the Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Abilene with Pastor Scott Beard officiating.  Arrangements are under the direction of Broadway Funeral Directors.

Leonard was born January 8, 1932 in Poteet, TX to Willie Sr. & Refugia Benitez.  He married Ernestina Chapa in Tahoka, she preceded him in death February 23, 1998.  He attained the rank of Private First Class while serving in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict.  He was a mechanic, and also a licensed barber. Leonard loved dancing, singing and fishing; but his true passion was spending time with his family and friends.

Those left to cherish his memory are his three sons, Leonard Benitez Jr, David Benitez, and Joe Benitez all of Lubbock; daughters, Mary Hernandez of Lubbock, Idilia Williams of AL and Andrea Hufford of Abilene; Brother, Dan Benitez of California; Sisters, Lorin Ledesma of Lubbock and Lillie Cornelius of Corpus Christi; twenty one grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Willie Benitez Jr., Manuel Benitez, Steve Benitez.