Benito Montoya

Our beloved father, Benito Montoya, entered eternal rest with his Heavenly Father on February 14, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, and unwavering love for his family and friends.

Benito, known as Ben to many, was born in Pecos, Texas, on March 21, 1951, to Pablo and Otilia Montoya. He was one of 18 children and was raised in a loving, tight‑knit family. After graduating high school and attending Texas State Technical College, he married the love of his life, Leticia Garay Montoya, with whom he shared 52 wonderful years. They eventually settled in Odessa, where they raised three children.

In Odessa, he worked for many years with Shell Oil and formed lasting friendships through his work and his parish community at Holy Redeemer. When the oil and gas industry faced a downturn in the early nineties, he changed professions and found his true calling. He spent the next 30 years as a safety coordinator, and later a consultant, in the semiconductor industry. This chapter became one of his most rewarding, as he worked closely with his son, Benny, and eventually with his grandsons. The role suited him perfectly: patient, fatherly, friendly, and forgiving. He embraced the responsibility with a deep commitment to protecting those around him. His impact was evident across the country, and at his passing, more than 300 union members stopped working for the day in his honor.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Domingo, Sisto, Felipe, Andres, Epifanio (Pifi), Jose Barrera (Joe), Pablo, William, Roy Garza, Tiodoso (Tio), Sisters, Elvira Mendoza, Emma Carrasco, Cruz and Lupe Montoya (infants). His memory lives on through his wife, Leticia; his sons, Benito (Benny) and Adrian; his daughter, Marisol (Sol); eleven grandchildren; one great‑grandchild (expected this year); sisters, Armida Rico, Otilia Valenzuela (Tillie), Delia Montoya, and Ninfa Montoya-Alligood. His love touched countless lives, reflected in the outpouring of condolences and well‑wishes received in the days since his passing. We are deeply grateful for every message and hold close the thought of our father’s lasting impact on all who knew him. A celebration service will be held on February 27th at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Odessa. Attendees are encouraged to wear blue, as it was his favorite color and he expressed that at his passing he wished that we would truly celebrate, laugh, and tell stories of their favorite memories.

In lieu of cut flowers, the family would appreciate house plants they can continue to grow in his honor.