Eloy "Blue" Benitez

Eloy “Blue” Benitez, 72, passed away Thursday, June 15, 2023 in Tecumseh, Oklahoma.

He was born September 4, 1950 to Martin and Francisca (Pacheco) Benitez, Sr. in Pleasanton, Texas.

Eloy was raised in Snyder, Texas and graduated from Snyder High School.  He lived in Amarillo for several years, where he married Donna Valdez. He then lived in Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado and back to Oklahoma in 2013 settling in Chickasha where he lived until 2021 when he moved to Tecumseh.

Eloy worked many years for Western Summit Construction.  He also worked for the Snyder Daily News.

In his younger years, he was a competitive athlete and excelled in baseball, cross country, track and boxing.  Twice he was Welterweight Texas State Golden Gloves Champion and once runner up.  In his later years Eloy loved watching baseball, was a wheel of fortune fan, as well as other game shows.  He was a hard worker, good provider, kindhearted, funny and had a great, yet dry sense of humor. He loved spending time with his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Jose Alfredo “Freddie” Benitez.      

Survivors include his wife, Donna Benitez of the home; 2 daughters, Alina Garcia of Amarillo, TX and Edie Brown of Chickasha, OK; 2 sons Terence Benitez of Chickasha, OK and Jerod and Cynthia Valdez of Albuquerque, NM; 14 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; 3 sisters, Gloria Romo of Snyder, TX, Maria “Stella” and Abelino Valadez of Snyder, TX and Emma and Jim Bell of Lewisville, TX; 2 brothers, Martin Benitez, Jr. of Pasadena, TX and Rodolfo “Rudy” and Febe Benitez of Houston, TX; numerous nieces, nephews and other extended family members and friends.

Visitation will be from 12:00 noon to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 21, 2023 at Cooper Funeral Home Chapel.  Per Eloy’s wishes no formal funeral service will be held.  Cremation arrangements by Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh.  

The family wants to thank the staff of Heritage Skilled Nursing Center namely, Brandy, Sandra, Courtney, Greg, Mike, Wendy, Tedra, Candace and Deonna.