Rev. Ben S. Riojas' Obituary
Rev. Ben Sanchez Riojas, 94, went to be with the Lord on May 2, 2012. Ben was born to Barnabe and Guadalupe Riojas on November 5, 1917. Ben's father moved the family from the San Antonio area to Houston when he was elementary school age. At the tender age of 8, Ben accepted Jesus Christ. At thirteen, he was baptized, and began his serious study of the Bible. As a teen, he and his best friend, Jesse Blanco Sr. formed a musical group that performed in many of the area churches. They composed some of the gospel songs popular in the 30's among the Spanish speaking youth. While playing at a church in Galveston, Ben and Jesse, noticed the two eldest daughters of the Perez family, Rosie and Carmen. As the custom of the time, they secured proper introductions and permission to visit with proper chaperones.
In early 1941, Ben joined the Army and was stationed in San Antonio when the United States was devastated by the attack on Pearl Harbor. On June 5, 1943, Ben completed his Ranger Battle Training with the Second Infantry Division, Company E, 38th Infantry. He was wounded during the Normandy invasion. Once recovered in London, he was returned to the battlefront. Wounded again toward the end of the war, he spent the last days of his service stationed in Paris, France. After entering the ministry, he avoided speaking of WWII. He returned home to marry Rosie Perez on April 28, 1946. His childhood friend Jesse Blanco had already married Rosie's sister Carmen and the two couples remained best friends throughout the rest of their lives. Ben and Rosie pastored churches throughout the Houston area until the mid-60's, when they found themselves "temporarily" assisting Templo La Hermosa in South Houston. The congregation of this church became their extended family. They served this church over the next forty years. Ben also worked at Nabisco and retired in 1981.
Ben is preceded in death by his beloved wife Rosie, daughter in law, Linda Longoria Riojas, and siblings, Robert, Ramiro, Consuelo, Elena, and Amelia. He is survived by his children: Amelia and husband Paul Cardona, Benny and wife Lucy Riojas, Gina and husband Robert Gauthier. His grandchildren: Rafael and wife Kim Gonzales, Catarina and husband Richard Cron, Charissa and husband Juan Montoya, Benjamin and wife Emily Riojas, and Sydnee and Mackenzie Gauthier. Ben's happiest Christmas gift was meeting his great-grandchild, Sofie Riojas, on Christmas 2011. He is also survived by his brothers: Tony, Ruben, and Samuel Riojas and their spouses, and sister Jovita Cavazos.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Rosario Negrete who provided caretaking services to both Rosie and Ben, and to thank the pastors of La Hermosa, Rev. Cervantes and Rev. Gaytan for all their visits. Also, the family wishes to thank the staff and caregivers of ManorCare Webster for their compassion and loving care.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like to request that donations be made to La Hermosa Church, 812 Louisiana St., South Houston, TX 77587. Visitation with the family will be at South Park Funeral Home, 1310 North Main Street, Pearland, Texas 77581, from 5-8 pm on Sunday, May 6. Burial service to be on Monday, May 7th at 10 am.
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