Robelin Benavides or as many of his students and coworkers knew him as “Coach Benny”, “Coach B” or “Benihana” went to be with the lord and his late wife on Saturday, April 30, 2022 in Houston, TX.

Coach B was born on March 2, 1950 in Falfurrias, TX to the late Domingo and late Elida Perez Benavides.  The third of six children he often told stories of getting into trouble with his brothers and sisters and growing up picking cotton and acting like one of the three stooges.  After graduation from high school, he pursued a degree in education from the University of North Texas.  It was during his time at North Texas that he met his late wife, Amelia Aguirre who preceded him in death 2010, who was also pursuing a degree in education.  They were married on May 27, 1972, in Pawnee, TX.  To say the day went off without a hitch would be an understatement.  After more than a two-hour delay, they both managed to get to the church and say I do.  The two of them were married for 38 years and would build a wonderful life together filled with ups and downs as many marriages do.   They brought into this world a son, Robelin Benavides, Jr of West Columbia, TX and a daughter, Miranda (Mandy) Benavides who married husband Todd Harding of Richmond, Tx in 2006.

It was often said that his second vehicle was a UHAUL truck, and he would take his family with him from school district to school district all in the pursuit of the coveted state championship.  He loved his children and taught them to fish, play sports, drive, and have a love for travelling.  Every Sunday he would grab his bag of salt and vinegar chips and plate of summer sausage, cheese, and crackers and watch his beloved Dallas Cowboys, whom he had a love hate relationship with.

He loved John Wayne movies, old westerns, and Elvis Presley.  In fact, one of his favorite memories was visiting Graceland to see where the king himself lived.  If he wasn’t watching sports (University of Texas or New York Yankees), he was coaching sports.  Coach B taught and coached for over 35 years in several districts throughout Texas.  He loved all sports (well maybe not soccer).  Some of his favorite moments were coaching 7^th grade football in West Columbia, TX or high school softball in Sweeny, TX.  He always had a bucket of sunflower seeds and a smile that was contagious.

He had an extremely loving heart and would give the shirt off his back to anyone.  He never wanted to see someone sad and would always aim at putting a smile on anyone’s face.  In fact, the only thing bigger than his heart and louder than his personality, was his sneezes.  Boy, could he scare a baby and quiet a room when he sneezed.  He loved calling Bingo at family reunions and often was the jokester appearing in the family photo twice, anything to make the group laugh.

Coach B traveled to Australia and Thailand and enjoyed seeing other parts of the world.   He married his wife, Jan Ellen Benavides of West Columbia, TX in 2015.  When he wasn’t working at H&R Block, devoting his time to his wonderful clients, he was travelling with Ellen.

He took extreme pride in his grandchild Josephine Harding (1) of Richmond, TX for whom was the only person he let hang up on him constantly.  He loved his Miniature Schnauzer, Priciness and his Miniature Schnauzer granddogs, Raven, Ember, and Rudder.  He was a beloved father, brother, husband, son and friend.  He will be missed deeply.

He is also preceded in death by brothers, Abel Benavides and Nano Benavides; and granddogs Tyson and Sadye.

He is also survived by sisters, Alma Silvas of Haskell, TX, Irene Tobar of Seguin, TX; brother, Reyes Perez Benavides of Smithville, TX; and a host of extended family members.

Family Visitation will be held Saturday, May 7, 2022 at 9A.M. to 11A.M. with Funeral Services beginning promptly at 11A.M. at Primera Iglesia Bautista Emmanuel in Pawnee, Tx with the Pastor Ricky Roman from El Buen Pastor Baptist Church, Beeville, TX officiating.  Interment will follow in the Our Lady of Guadalupe Cemetery in Pawnee, TX.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to Miniature Schnauzer Rescue of Houston, https://www.msrh.org/donate.   Rob loved his schnauzer, Princess and all his Schnauzer granddogs. The family would also like to thank all his wonderful friends and families for truly touching out fathers’ life throughout the years.

Serving as Pallbearers:  Michael Benavides, Todd Harding, Chris Johnson, Nick Johnson, Kevin Ransom, Matthew Rodriquez