ZAPATA, TEXAS---Elmo Isaias Benavides 71, passed away on Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at Falcon Lake Nursing Home in Zapata, Texas.

Elmo was born in San Ygnacio, Texas on June 26, 1952 and worked over 25 years at ZCISD. He loved horses and was a lifelong jockey.

Mr. Benavides is preceded in death by his father, Inocencio "Chencho" Benavides; mother, Maria Cano Benavides; brother, Eduardo "Balo" Benavides and nephew, Javier "Chito" De Los Santos Jr.

Mr. Benavides is survived by his wife of 44 years, Maria A. "Susie" Benavides; daughters, Nydia (Juan) Saenz, Nina (Lauro) Guerra, Nancy (Ruben) Peña, Naomi Benavides (Crisanto Jr.) Meza; grandchildren and honorary pallbearers, Natalee M. Guerra, Jose Luis Garcia III, Damian R. Saenz, Lauro A. Guerra Jr., Nadine Peña, Triana Meza, Eric Peña, Carissa A. Flores, Camila I. Guerra, Jorge E. Flores, Crisanto Meza III; sisters and brothers, Estela (†Omar) Ramirez, Erasmo (Ramona) Benavides, Emma Benavides, Eliza (Javier) De Los Santos, Enigma (Roel) Hinojosa; sisters-in-law, Alicia (Steve) Ramirez, Raquel (Joel) Chapa and by numerous nephews, nieces and other family members and friends.

Visitation hours will be held on Sunday, January 7, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Rose Garden Funeral Home.

On Monday, January 8, 2024, we will open at 10:00 a.m. and a chapel service will be held at 10:30 a.m. at Rose Garden Funeral Home.

Committal services will follow at Zapata County Cemetery.

The wife and daughters of Elmo I. Benavides and their families would like to thank Laredo Hospice and Flacon Lake Nursing Home for their amazing hospitality and care.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Rose Garden Funeral Home Daniel A. Gonzalez, Funeral Director, 2102 N. US HWY 83 Zapata, Texas.