Benjamin "Ben" M. Vasquez, Jr.

Benjamin “Ben” M. Vasquez, Jr., 90, of E. Ogden Rd. in Loving, NM passed away on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at home surrounded by his family. Ben was born on April 7, 1933, in Ysleta, TX to Benjamin Z. Vasquez and Elena (Mendoza) Vasquez.

Visitation is scheduled from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Wednesday, September 13, 2023, at Denton-Wood Funeral Home, followed by a vigil at 6:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 11:00 AM Thursday, September 14, 2023, at San Jose Catholic Church with Fr. Juan Carlos Ramirez officiating. Burial will take place at the Carlsbad, Cemetery in Carlsbad, NM.

Ben moved to Loving, NM in 1951 and started working on the family farm. He met the love of his life, Adama, in 1954 at her cousin’s house in Carlsbad. Ben was visiting with her cousin’s boyfriend when Adama arrived at the home and caught Ben’s eye. They started dating and would go on dates to “Little Chick’s” Restaurant, where Ben would buy lunch for Adama and her friends. They dated for 4 months, and then on October 19, 1955, they eloped to El Paso to begin their romantic journey as man and wife. Ben built a home at #2 Ogden Road and started their family. Ben was committed to any job he took on. He worked on the Odgen Farm for approximately 5 years and then went to work for Stern Rodgers Construction for approximately 7 years. He would end his career for the Duval Mine and retired after 29 years.

Ben was a committed husband and father, a loyal friend, and man of God first. He loved to do many activities that involved the outdoors. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, camper and made sure that he passed this down to his children and grandchildren. He was not only a great outdoorsman, but he was also a self-acclaimed engineer. Ben would develop things that he would later see today being used all around. Things like the disco, tripod for trailers, chili roasters, and portable water tanks for camping. No one could tell his family any different.

Ben was a warrior. Not in the sense of what we think of today’s warrior, but a spiritual warrior. He exhibited the phrase “Man of God” every day. Throughout his life, he put the scripture of Ephesians 6:10-18 on full display. He stood his ground for righteousness and proudly wore the “Belt and Body Armor of Truth.” Ben was loyal to his wife, family and friends. Ben donned the shoes and peace that came with wearing them. Ben held up the “Shield of Faith, proudly put on the Salvation as his Helmet and took up the Sword of The Spirit.” Ben was a rock foundation for many people. Ben brought peace with his kind words and presence to those that were sad, struggling and in times of need. Ben was a genius and knew the power of prayer, and he prayed for his family each day. He was a spiritual warrior for his family and his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Ben was preceded in death by his father, Benjamin Z. Vasquez; mother, Elena (Mendoza) Vasquez; four grandchildren: Joyce Vasquez, Dannett Brown, Christopher Vasquez, and Janet Rhinehart; four siblings: Epifanio Vasquez, Frank Vasquez, Max Vasquez, and Mike Vasquez; and two siblings-in-law: Isabell Vasquez and Mary Lou Vasquez.

Ben is survived by his wife of almost 68 years, Adama Vasquez of Loving, NM; six children: Joe Vasquez and wife, Denise of Carlsbad, NM; Ben Vasquez and wife, Cathleen of Carlsbad, NM; Lina Molina and husband, Sam of Carlsbad, NM; Alice Hester and husband, Bobby of Carlsbad, NM; Annette Aguilar and husband, David of Roswell, NM; and Angie Sanchez and husband, Ricky of Carlsbad, NM; fifteen grandchildren; twenty-nine great grandchildren; twelve great great grandchildren; six siblings: Lupe Vasquez of Loving, NM; Tony Vasquez and wife, Sally of Loving, NM; Juan Vasquez of Loving, NM; Helen Vasquez of Loving, NM; Carmen Vasquez and wife, Rosalinda of Carlsbad, NM; and Pete Vasquez of Loving, NM; sisters-in-law, Martha Vasquez of Loving, NM and Claudina Vasquez of Malaga, NM; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Pallbearers will be Sam Molina, Sam Molina, Jr., Bobby Hester, David Aguilar, Daniel Vasquez, Daniel McIntire and Charlie Vasquez. Honorary pallbearers are Joseph Vasquez, Xander Aguilar and Gage Aguilar.

We would like to express a special thank you to Ben’s caregivers Annabel Ornelas and Isela Baray. They were a true blessing from God and loved and cared deeply for our father.   Condolences may be expressed online at dentonwood.com