Eodofredo (Fred) Levi Benavides of Del Norte, Colo., went with the Lord on Oct. 27, 2022. He was born on Feb. 14, 1946, in Del Norte, Colo.
Fred grew up in Del Norte and worked in the potato fields, at the Ford Garage changing oil and tires, and the sawmill in South Fork. He ended up at Rio Grande County working with heavy equipment for 30 years.
After he retired from the county, he drove a potato truck during harvest and later drove as a courier for Rio Grande Hospital. Fred was a Fourth Degree in the Knights of Columbus, currently known as Del Norte Christian Association, and he retired from the Del Norte Volunteer Fire Department. He loved people, and people loved his light and friendly spirit.
Fred spent his entire life loving and helping his family. He was so proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He spent his time enjoying the mountains while camping with his wife and his grandkids, and fishing and hunting with his sons. He had a strong faith and dedicated much of his time to the church and helping others. He was always joking and having a good time wherever he was.
Fred is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Frances Benavides, his sons Larry (Denise) Benavides, Freddie Glen (Theresa) Benavides, daughter-in-law Desiree Benavides, his grandchildren, Dana (Dwight) Barlow, Khrystynn (Matthew) Cano, Kaleigh (Matthew) White, Alexander Benavides, Brett (Maxine) Benavides, Natalie Benavides, Tomas Benavides, Jesse James Benavides, and his great-grandchildren, Zoey, Camrey and Kenzey Barlow, Miles Cano, Madilynn, Phoenix, Xander Benavides, and his brother Donald Benavidez.
He was preceded in death by his son Lawrence Benavides, his brother Eli Benavides, his sister Debbie Quintana, his parents John Pete Benavidez and Esther Quintana, and several aunts and uncles.
A rosary will be held Friday, Nov. 4, 2022, at Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church in Del Norte at 6 p.m. Services will be at Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, at 10 a.m., followed by a procession to the cemetery.
Arrangements in care of Strohmayer's Funeral Home in Monte Vista, Colo.