Dates
Benny Ray Stuard, 91, of San Angelo passed away Thursday, October 13,2022.
Mr. Stuard was born March 12, 1931 in Tom Green County at home on the family farm to Mannie Ray Stuard and Ada B. Churchwell. He attended schools in San Angelo, graduating from San Angelo High School in 1948. He entered the Air Force boot camp right after high school and soon after returning married the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Marye Ellen Watkins, in 1950. They then set off for a military adventure that took them to Mississippi, Alabama and finally Alaska where he worked as a morse code intelligence operator serving 4 years. They had two boys while in Alaska. After returning home they settled east of San Angelo on a twenty acre farm on the Concho river to raise their two children. Benny owned and operated Stuard Welding and Crane Company since returning home in 1955. In November 1964 they welcomed a beautiful baby girl to the family, she was the sparkle of his eye! Benny worked at his business that he took over from his father until his retirement at age 65 where he then took up golf. He passed the business down to his son and partner Kenneth, whom had worked for him since graduating high school. Kenneth has since retired and the business was sold last year after being in the family for generations.
Benny and Marye had a very fulfilled life together they loved God first and foremost, they loved their kids and grandkids, their many friends, entertaining and dancing. Lots of dancing! They were members of the Hoolihan Acres for 20 years, Cotton Patch Shuffle, Western Ten Hoedown, and Terpsichorean Club. Benny loved playing golf with his Bentwood Country Club buddies and even following them around telling them what they were doing wrong when he was too weak to play anymore. And he loved to play dominoes with anyone if they thought they could beat him! Benny was very humble and kind to strangers and always ready to lend a helping hand. On June 2nd, 1984 he saved two teenagers from an overturned car in a pond on Parkview from drowning with no hesitation. And even hooking up the wench for the tow truck driver to pull out the car because the driver wasn’t sure how. And he would do it all over again if need be! He was called a “Good Samaritan” in the local news paper and was a local “Hero” at the Dun-Bar restaurant where he went for morning coffee, but he shook off the attention and just said” he was glad God put him there to help”. But I know he is MY hero!!
Benny lost his love of 64 years Marye in 2014, They are reunited now! He is survived by his son Bernie Stuard and wife Rannae, son Kenneth Stuard and wife Merry Carol, daughter Carla Lands and husband Butch and special niece Terri Satterwhite. His grandchildren, Melissa Barnes, Brooke Stuard-Ellis and Bryce Lands; and great grandchildren Thomas Barnes, Hayden Barnes, Konnor Barnes, Gavin Schniers and Porter Ellis.
Pallbearers will be Aaron Barnes, Thomas Barnes, Hayden Barnes, Konnor Barnes, Gavin Schniers, and Bryce Lands Public Viewing will be from 12:00pm-7:00pm Friday October,14,2022 at Harper Funeral Home. Service will be at 10:00 am, Saturday, October15th, 2022, at First United Methodist Church Chapel, with burial immediately following at Fairmount Cemetery, with Pastor Scott Bradford.
Special Thanks to Enhabit Homehealth, Comfort Keepers especially to Kyra, Kindred Hospice especially to nurses Annalyn and Stephanie you two are amazing! Encompass Rehab Hospital, Special neighbors The Lewrights and their children, Benny adored you all and your dog named “Benny”, The Wenzels and their children, Thank you for your love and kindness! His very special Caregiver, His angel on earth, Patricia Chappa! There are no words to describe how we feel about the care you have shown for our dad! You are amazing and truly sent from Heaven we adore you! We can never thank you enough!
In lieu of flowers, Donations (memorials) may be made to Lakeview Light House ministries at San Angelo First United Methodist Church or your favorite charity.
Family and friends may share condolences at www.harper-funeralhome.com.