The family of Benjamin (Benny) J. Contreras, age 93, has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to be present for his funeral service and final honors, it will be our privilege to do so.
Benny was born to Daniel Contreras and Chela (Mercedes) Jasso Contreras on August 28, 1927, in Candelaria, Texas. Benny (Benjamin) J. Contreras passed away peacefully on November 22, 2020. He spent his final hours surrounded by his family. Benny was one of six siblings: Alice Calvillo, Pete Espino, Gilbert Espino, Richard Espino. Benny was preceded in death by his sister Tillie Gutierrez.
Benny served his country in the US Army during WWII. He was inducted in 1945 and honorably discharged in 1947 at the rank of Sergeant. He was always proud of his military service.
Benny returned to Lompoc after his military service and met Alice, the love of his life, Benny and Alice married in 1949. They raised their three children with a strong sense of family. Benny had a long career. He worked in local oil fields in his early years. He also worked for Camp Cooke (now Vandenberg AFB) where he mastered the art of cooking. Then, for a short time, he worked for General Motors in the Los Angeles Area. He happily returned to Lompoc and worked for Johns-Mansville Corp. (Cellite Corp) for 40 years. He became a master plumber. He also worked for Brooks Plumbing where he plumbed various buildings in the local area including local schools. He enjoyed working in property management for many years. He had an engineer-like brain that enabled him to figure out how anything worked and how to fix it.
Benny enjoyed hunting with his sons and taking the family on vacation to Yosemite National Park. In Yosemite, he found a quiet sense of peace where he enjoyed his family away from his usual hard work routine. Benny was known for his strong work ethic and he instilled this value in his children. He enjoyed music and hosting parties along with Alice. Benny was a phenomenal cook, and his family fondly remembers the many backyard barbecues.
He was a member of the Moose Lodge, Elks, American Legion, Johns-Manville Club and The Knights of Columbus. He was a lifetime member of The Mexican Social Organization where he was the president of the club until 2018.
Benny and Alice were married for 66 years until Alice's passing in 2015. Benny was also preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Judy Dally Contreras. He is survived by his children: Benny Contreras Jr (Marty); Danny Contreras (Marcie) and Christina Contreras-Pfau (Michael). He is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren.
NOTE: COVID-19 Please wear masks Please Bring your Flag and Water none will be provided.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, we will be accompanying the hero and his family from the mortuary to his final resting place. Please see the time table if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the cemetery, we will meet you there.
Time table for Friday, 04 DEC 2020:1000 - Staging Starbuck-Lind Mortuary 123 N. A St., Lompoc Ca. 93436
https://goo.gl/maps/MjLquKQN425xfVjK71015 - Mission Briefing
1030 - Flag line for dignified transfer of Hero from Mortuary to Coach
1035 - KSU to Lompoc Cemetery 600 S. C St., Lompoc Ca. 93436
https://goo.gl/maps/nVkTKp2R4VChwDe5A1045 - Est arrival at cemetery
1100 - Flag Line and Military Honors
R/C Anthony Cercone
PGR Ride Captain SoCal805-720-0863
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. All PGR members are welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the R/C (Ride Captain). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
