Jose Ben Gallegos was born Nov. 12, 1928, in Alpine, Texas, and he was called to eternal rest on March 19, 2022.

Ben, as he was popularly known, was the owner of the Comanche Tortilla and Tamale Factory originally founded by Angel R Terrazas and his mother Eliza Webster Terrazas in 1947. Son Joe Ben “JB” Gallegos, Jr., later took over ownership of the business.

Ben was a U.S. Navy veteran entering the service on Jan. 1, 1946, and was stationed at Pearl Harbor. He was promoted to Seaman First Class on Sept. 16, 1946. Seaman First Class Gallegos served at NTC San Diego, and was honorably discharged at the Presidio in San Francisco on Nov. 20, 1947, after completing his enlistment.

Ben was active in the community for many years. He was a founding member and past president of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), American GI Forum, and a Lions Club Member and director. Ben also served as a board member of the Pecos County Community Action Center, and was a Butz School PTA member and chairman. He also helped organize and served on the Butz School Reunion committee. Ben was active in Boy Scouts of America as a Scout master when his sons Edward, JB, and Gilbert became scouts.

Ben was an active member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and a member of the Holy Name Society. He was a Crusillista, having attended his first Crusillo at St. Joseph’s in San Angelo, Texas, in 1965. He was also a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church.

Ben was an outstanding athlete in his younger years. He was a basketball player for Butz School, and played baseball for the Veteranos as a first baseman. He also coached his son Gilbert for the Angel’s Little League team.

Ben married Emma Nieto Gonzales on Feb. 16, 1952. They raised five boys, Edward Gonzales Gallegos (Teresa), Joe Ben (JB) Gallegos (Steve), Gilbert Gonzales Gallegos (Patricia), Oscar Gonzales Gallegos (girlfriend Nancy), and Charles Gabriel Gallegos (Mary).

Ben was preceded in death by his father Wenserlado Gallego and stepmother Amelia. Also preceding him in death were his mother Eliza Webster Terrazas and stepfather Angel R Terrazas.

Surviving siblings are sisters Nene Espinoza (Modesto), Elidia Leyva (Abelardo), Larissa Gallego, BJ Gallego (Linda), Jimmy Gallego (Christy), Ruben Gallego (Abelina), and Berta Celaya (Eldefonso).

Ben and Emma have 14 grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren, with the newest grandchild, Brielle Everly Garcia.

Services, rosary, and mass were held March 24, 2022, at St Joseph’s Catholic Church with burial following at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery. Luncheon followed at the Fort Stockton Community Theater across the street from the Comanche Tortilla and Tamale Factory.

Arrangements were entrusted to Heritage Funeral Home of the Big Bend in Fort Stockton, Texas. If you would like to send your condolences to the family, you may do so by signing his guestbook at heritagefuneralhomeofthebigbend.com.