Mr. E.E. (Gene) Benefield, age 78, of San Augustine, Texas, entered into rest at his residence in San Augustine on Saturday, June 8, 2013. He was born November 11, 1934, in Haynesville, Louisiana to the late Earl and Myrtle (Rogers) Benefield.
Gene graduated from Shongaloo High School. He then attended McNeese State College and LSU. He was active in the 4-H and FFA while at McNeese. Also while there, he was a part of the Quadrille Team and did livestock judging. He spent a lifetime involved in Agriculture. For many years he served as the County Agent of San Augustine County, was a 4-H Leader and served as the Rodeo Chairman. He also was a Custom Boot and Saddle Maker, owning his own business for many years. He was a member of the Church of Christ.
He is survived by his wife Mary Lou (Garrett) Benefield of San Augustine; sons, Glen Benefield and wife Melissa of San Augustine, Larry Benefield and Penny Stephens of San Augustine, and Bobby Benefield of Ft. Worth; daughters, Martha Jane Lee and husband William of Brenham, and Mary Darnell Roberts of Chireno; 12 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren; sisters, Stella Staton and husband Russel of Shongaloo, La., Ida Mayfield and husband Dale of Lufkin; Vallie Wynne and husband Travis of Lufkin; brothers Billy Benefield of Springhill, La., Cecil Benefield and wife Joyce of Shongaloo, La., Johnny Benefield and wife Kaye of Shongaloo, La.; and sister-in-law, Norma Ruth Benefield of Monroe, La..
He was preceded in death by his parents. Earl and Myrtle Benefield; father and mother-in-law, Ira and Lina Garrett; grandson, Lynn Benefield; and his first wife Flora Ann Hattie Benefield.
Funeral service will be held Tuesday, June 11, 2013, 10:00 A.M. at Wyman Roberts Memorial Chapel with Al Shaw and Charles Sharp officiating. Burial will follow in the Lower Chireno Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday evening, 5:00 P.M. til 8:00 P.M. at Wyman Roberts Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Robert Cartwright, Phil Sublett, David McEachern, Edward McEachern, Steve Sublett and C.J. Boswell.
