Guy E. Benitez

LAFAYETTE - Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, June 25, 2011 in the Delhomme Chapel of the Flowers for Guy E. Benitez, 70, who passed away on June 18, 2011 at 11:50PM in Texas.

Reverend Mike Walker, Pastor of East Bayou Baptist Church, will conduct the funeral services.

Burial will take place in Lafayette Memorial Park Cemetery.

Mr. Benitez, a resident of Duson, LA, was the son of the late Raphael Benitez and the former Francis(Fannie) Flautt . Guy was educated in the Parochial schools of Rolla, Missouri and St. John's Military Academy in Salinas, Kansas. Locally he attended Lafayette High School, Class of 1958 and the University of Southwestern Louisiana. He has been a founder, charter member, officer and director in nearly every organization in his industry, including Towing and Recovery Professionals of Louisiana, Towing and Recovery Association of America, Louisiana Motor Transport, Louisiana Auto-Truck Recyclers and T.T. Publications, Inc. of Orlando, Florida which publishes TOW TIMES magazine and industry brochures and newsletters worldwide. His business, Guy's Towing Service, Inc. received the 1985 award of "The Most Attractive Place of Business" (Large Fleet) in the United States. He has received the "Top Performer" and "Dealer of the Year" awards from Shell Oil Company. The Sixth District Association Presidents which includes Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Florida, Tennessee, presented him a "Special Service" award in 1981 for his personal dedication and founding of towing associations in these states. He received the "National Citizenship" and "Distinguished Service" awards, the highest awards presented annually by the Towing and Recovery Association of America. In 1987, Mr. Benitez was inducted into the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame. Inductees are chosen by Trustees of the HALL OF FAME, from among people who have made unusual contributions to his industry, separate and apart from the efforts made in their own business. Elevation to this HALL OF FAME is the most prestigious recognition and honor in the industry. Mr. Benitez loved a good game of cards or dominoes. He was an avid outdoorsman who hunted and fished as often as possible. He enjoyed traveling in his RV with his family and friends. Saltwater fishing, however was his passion. A Sailfish or a Marlin breaking the water was probably his favorite sight on the planet.

He is survived by his wife, Dana Foreman Benitez; two daughters Yvonne Bell and Jeanne Benitez Manuel and two step sons Bert King and Ken King; seven grandchildren, Addison King, Elliot Bell, Heather King, Brittany King, Clayton Rayon, Katie King and Noah King and one Great Grandchild, Wyatt King; two sisters, Margo Benitez LeCompte and Lita Benitez Erny.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Delhomme Chapel of the Flowers on Friday, June 24, 2011 from 11:00 am until 8:00 pm in Lafayette.

Memorial contributions can be made in the name of Benitez to American Diabetes Association , U. L. Athletics, International Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum. Pallbearers will be Stan Ware, John J. Erny III, Guy Ware, Kevin Landry, Ronney Spell, Rick Baker, Mark Erny and Marshall Roberts.

Personal condolences may be sent to the Benitez family at www.delhommefuneralhome.com.

Delhomme Funeral Home, 1011 Bertrand Drive, Lafayette, is in charge of funeral arrangements.

 

Published in the The Advertiser on June 23, 2011