Jose Z. “Joe” Benavidez, 59, of Hiawatha, died Monday evening, May 11, 2015, at his home.

Joe was born February 6, 1956, at American Fork, Utah, born to Robert Augustin and Frances O`Cana Benavidez.  At a young age, Joe and his family moved to Colorado to live before moving to Hiawatha where he attended school.  Joe served in the US Army for two years where he worked to earn his GED, discharged at the rank of E-4 in 1977.  He attended Atchison Technical Center where he learned the welding trade.  Joe returned to Colorado only to come back to NE Kansas in 1991 where he did construction work prior to welding for Herzog in Falls City, Nebraska, who repairs railroad cars until two years ago, when he became disabled.

Joe was a member of the National Rifle Association, and enjoying hunting and fishing.

Survivors include his five children:  Tina Mayes of Greeley, Colorado, and her children Angel, Jessica, Severo, Julie Benavidez of Greeley, CO, Joseph Benavidez of Denver, Colorado, and his son JoJo, Joyce Benavidez of Greeley, Colorado and her children Araellia and Gema, Crystal Quintana of Arizona and her children Roberto, Marica, Santiago, Maria, Federico, Janet, Sophia, Devin, Andrea, and Deseray; his father Robert Benavidez of Phoenix, AZ;  four sisters:  Jeanette Russell, Deborah Stillman, both of Hiawatha, Sonia Hernadez, Arcie Benavidez, both of Phoeniz, AZ; three brothers:  Robert Andres Benavidez, Randy Russell, both of Hiawatha, Eugene Benavidez, of Phoenix.

Joe was preceded in death by his Mother in 1995, and a brother David in 1991.

Funeral services are planned for 10 a.m. Friday, May 15, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha, with Malcolm Grier officiating.  Cremation will follow services.

The family will meet with friends from 6-7 Thursday evening.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Chapel Oaks Funeral Home to assist the family with funeral expenses.  Special messages may be sent online at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com