Benjamin "Benny" Anthony Vanecek

Benjamin “Benny” Anthony Vanecek, age 80, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, November 30, 2023 in El Paso, Texas. He was a wonderful husband, father, son, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather and will be greatly missed. Benjamin is preceded in death by his parents: Benjamin Earl Vanecek and Martha Mikeska, his daughter: Shannon Vanecek Dominguez, and his sister: Mary Occhiuzzo. He is survived by his beautiful wife of 57 years: Machelle Vanecek, his daughter: Kimberly Vanecek Silex, his brothers: Michael Vanecek and Thomas Vanecek, his grandchildren: Katye Elston, Allyson Purdom, Hunter Purdom and Faith Silex, as well as his great-grandchildren: Marlee Callis, July Elston and Otis Elston. He is also survived by many extended friends and family to cherish and honor his memory.

Benny, was a gentle soul that leaves a legacy of kindness, strength, generosity and a smart wit about him.  He believed in putting God first and knew the rest would fall into place…and it did.  Benny attended and graduated from the College of the Mines (UTEP) where he was a Phi Tau and met Machelle. The two later married and were transferred to Louisiana with Shell Oil Company and remained there until the late 70’s.  Benny then went to work for McDonald’s in Texas and later packed up Machelle, Shannon and Kimberly and moved back to El Paso to run his own franchises which he owned for 24 years.  People were always important to Benny…he was always looking for ways to lead, encourage and support his employees.  Upon retiring from McDonald’s he ventured out into not just playing more golf, which he loved, but buying Lone Star Golf Course and cultivating that into a thriving and fun environment for 15 years.

Benny and Machelle enjoyed traveling with friends and family and took some time to watch their horses race at Sunland Park and Ruidoso Downs.  Sunday nights were special for Benny. It was a tradition for family to gather and talk about the week, laugh and cry with one another and just hang out and enjoy a bunch of really good food.  It was a time for his great grand kids to always be asking “why” to their Papa.

While living in El Paso, Benny had been a member of the Knights of Columbus, Men’s ACTS at Queen of Peace Church and Rotary. Benny was an honorary member of the TEXAS Rangers Division Company E and enjoyed the fellowship and community support the organization provides.  He’s been a participant of the Rangers for over 30 years and has cultivated many faithful relationships throughout the decades, we are grateful for their support.

He also had a soft heart for the Ronald McDonald House and would find ways to raise funds for his favorite charity.  He thoroughly enjoyed supporting his church and knew his life was blessed because of his commitment to the Lord.  His sparkling green eyes, slight wink he gave when he was being silly, generous smile and voice saying “bunches and bunches” after you said “I love you” will be missed.

A Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm to 8:00pm on Tuesday, December 05, 2023 at Sunset Funeral Homes-West with a Holy Rosary to commence at 6:00pm. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30am on Wednesday, December 06, 2023 at Queen of Peace Catholic Church,1551 Belvidere. Interment to follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery,1755 N Zaragoza Rd, El Paso, TX 79936.

Services are entrusted to Sunset Funeral Homes-West, 480 N. Resler Dr.