Benito C. Longoria Sr., 78, of Blessing passed away Thursday, December 1, 2011 in Bay City. He was born February 8, 1933 in Kennedy, TX to the late Francisco & Natividad Cruz Longoria. Benito was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He will be strongly missed by his church and community. Benito was always willing to help others. He was retired from Matagorda County Precinct # 4 after 31 years of service as an operator of a Maintainer. He loved music, playing a 12-string guitar with his brother in a band, and singing in the church choir. Everyone in Blessing knew him for his good Bar-B-Que.

Benito is survived by his loving wife: Mary Carrillo Longoria; 4 children: Benito Longoria Jr. & spouse Lionijes, Stella Longoria Basquez & spouse Robert, Rickey Longoria Sr. & spouse Debra, and Bobby Longoria & spouse Alma; 10 grandchildren: Benito Longoria III, Denese Longoria, Brittany Basquez, Christy Basquez, Ashley Longoria, Rickey Longoria Jr., Alazae Longoria, Bobby Longoria, Selene Longoria, and Alaina Longoria; and 4 great grand children: Nickolas Longoria, Gracie Longoria, Brayden Basquez, and Isabella Longoria.

A rosary will be recited 6:30 PM Sunday, December 4, 2011 at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Blessing. A mass will be held 10:00 AM Monday, December 5, 2011 at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Blessing with Father Peter Yeboah-Amanfo officiating. Interment will follow at St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery in Blessing. Pallbearers will be: Benito Longoria III, Santiago Longoria, Raymond Longoria, John Derrik Longoria, Frank Longoria Jr., and Darrell Carrillo. Honorary pallbearers will be: Alfred Carrillo, John Carrillo Jr., and Lewis Longoria.