Billy James Benes

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Billy James Benes, 52, of Gonzales, passed through the wide open gates of heaven Tuesday, May 15, 2018. Billy was born Jan. 23, 1966 in Gonzales to Billie Louis Benes and Margie Ann Malatek Benes. He graduated from Gonzales High School with the Class of 1985. Billy was a lifelong member of St. James Catholic Church.

Billy was born and raised in Gonzales and did all the things young boys do growing up in a small town. He attended school, played Little League baseball, rode his bicycle and played with friends. He was the first grandchild and only grandson of the Malatek side of the family so he was favored just a bit and Billy loved it.

After high school Billy studied theology and the disciplines of teaching the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine classes or CCD. Billy was popularly known as Mr. Billy to his CCD students.

He had a loving and generous heart and always took special care of children in need. For years many of his students received crosses to hang in their home or rosaries to use in prayer, certainly gifts that his students will remember him by. Billy had taught CCD classes to the parents of many of his present day students which delighted him.

Billy worked for St. James Catholic Church for 35 years. He was active in the church choirs and available to help the parish in any way he could. Billy was always gracious and met everyone with a smile and the willingness to help in any way he could. Billy was involved with the work of the church and committed to teaching the children of the church, certainly Billy took the words of Proverbs 22:6 to heart “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”

Billy enjoyed his work, but he dearly loved his family. He was a devoted and loving son, caring for his family was a labor of love. He adored animals and was especially fond of his dog, Bud. He found peace in caring for the lawn and working in his flower beds. He cherished time spent with family and relished the opportunity to go shopping with his dad. Billy appreciated nice clothes and delighted most in decorating the house for every holiday. At Christmas, each light was placed just so, each decoration in its proper place which was all an effort to make their home a reflection of the season and the meaning therein.

Billy James Benes is survived by his adoring parents, Margie Ann and Billie Louis Benes of Gonzales; brother, Moises Rivera and dear friends, Amanda Longoria and Hope Guevara, all of Gonzales and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Rose Marie and Eddie Cyril Malatek and Louis and Gussie Benes.

A rosary will be recited at 5 p.m. Thursday, May 17 in the St. James Catholic Church and a Holy Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, May 18 in St. James Catholic Church with Fr. Paul Raaz officiating. Interment will follow in the St. James Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers are Sergio Almaguer, Matthew Camarillo, Robert Camarillo, PJ DeLune, Carney Zambrano, Moises Rivera, and Michael Longoria. Memorials may be made to the St. James Catholic Church or the St. James CCD Program.

Friends may leave their condolences by visiting www.seydlerhillfuneralhome.com. Services are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home.

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