Encarnacion M. Benavides, 85, of San Benito, passed away Sunday, September 13, 2015. He retired from the United States Marine Corps where he served in Vietnam and Korea. He loved to golf and spend time with his loved ones. Encarnacion is preceded in death by his parents Encarnacion and Angelita Medrano Benavides, one brother, two sisters, and one grandson. Left to cherish his memories are his children: Duke (Maggie) Benavides, Arturo (Daine) Benavides, Elida B. (Reynaldo) Rios, Esmeralda (Raymond) Watson; siblings: Dora De Gallegos and Alvino (Petra) Benavides; 15 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren. Serving as pallbearers: Duke Benavides, Andrew Benavides, Raphael Rios, Richard Rios, Mauricio Chavez and Matias Monreal. Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 17, 2015 from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with a chapel service at 7:00 p.m., at Thomae Garza Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, September 18, 2015 at Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery, 2520 South Inspiration Road, Mission, TX 78572, with full military honors. You may sign the online guestbook and send words of comfort, flowers, or sympathy cards to the family of Encarnacion M. Benavides at: www.thomaegarza.com. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care of Thomae-Garza Funeral Directors, 395 S. Sam Houston, San Benito, Texas, (956) 399-1331.