Abel Benitez was born July 24, 1954 in Pleasanton, Texas to Celia and Lorenzo Benitez. He grew up with his siblings in Pleasanton, Corpus Christi and Old River , Texas Abel was a great son, husband, brother, father and grandfather. He left this earth on January 1, 2018.

Abel graduated from Moody High School in Corpus Christi and was active in boxing at Golden Gloves Gym, earning a championship as a teen. He was a combination Rig Welder and a welding Inspector, but he was also a man of God. He was a graduate of three schools of Ministry: Abundant Life, Maranatha and Shiloh Ministries. He was an active member of Maranatha Church in Mont Belvieu. He was a soul winner for the Lord, Mexico Medical Missions and an inspiration to us all. Abel enjoyed fishing, tennis and good food and loved the World Championship (thanks to the Astros).

Abel met and then married Miss Shayne Deville, of Sulphur, Louisiana on April 11, 1992. Together they lived in Old River, TX and raised a family. After Hurricane Harvey and a flooded home, Able and Shayne relocated to La Porte.

Abel is survived by his wife of 25 years, Shayne Benitez; daughter, Eileen Evelyn Arredondo (spouse Ruben); son, Ryan Christopher Deville (spouse Esra); his mother Celia Benitez; siblings, Candia Benitez, Gloria Pena, Jose Benitez, Sylvia Simoneaux, Edward Benitez and Alvin Benitez. He also leaves his grandangels, Faith and Ethan Arredondo, Tristan and Angelica Anderson, Benjamin Deville and Jaxon Deville as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

He is preceded by his father, Lorenzo Benitez; his brother Lorenzo Benitez Jr; and daughter, Crystal Marie Benitez.

Special thanks to Harbor Hospice – Elizabeth Tate, RN; Arianna, CNA and Brother Paul, Chaplain. They took such good care of him during this difficult time. Doug and Bonnie Schuman for all of their efforts and son Ryan Deville’s continued support and love, Shiloh Ministries and Brother Alvin Benitez for always being there for us, and many others.