November 9, 1942 – December 17, 2023
Joseph Bailey Benes, 81, passed away on December 17, 2023, in Houston, Texas. He was known as Jodie to his siblings and childhood friends, Joe in his adult and professional life, and Papa Joe to his grandchildren. He was born on November 9, 1942, in Houston, Texas and grew up on a dairy farm in Pearland, Texas. Joe was a loyal, honorable, and genuine friend. He was fun-loving, and he told a great joke. He was known in his church and professional communities as being welcoming, charitable, and trustworthy. He treasured his family, and he stood as a strong and tender patriarch.
Joe’s early years were spent doing chores on the farm and playing with his siblings and cousins. He attended Pearland High School where he was on the yearbook committee and football team. When asked by the high school college counselor where he was happiest, Joe replied, “When I’m driving the tractor.” Her response was, “Then you should attend Texas A&M.” Joe was president of the Ag-Eco Club there and was forever a proud Texas Aggie.
Joe began his career out of college as a loan officer for Center Savings & Loan where he discovered a love of real estate appraisal. He started his appraisal company, Joseph B. Benes & Associates, in 1975, and in his 40+ years of appraising trained or mentored over 20 appraisers. Joe and his son Michael started a real estate brokerage, Benes Realty Interests, in 2000 and became ERA Benes Realty, an affiliate of ERA Real Estate in 2003. Recently this company was merged with ERA Legacy Living, and Joe held the position of Senior Vice President (affectionately called the “land guru”) until the time of his death. In addition to his businesses, Joe also was a founding board member for Community Bank/Texas Capital Bank and served on the board of TW Davis Fieldhouse (now YMCA).
Joe was one of the oldest active members of St. Johns United Methodist Church. He lived his life in a manner that reflected his strong belief in the saving grace and love of Jesus Christ. Joe served as chaperone for MYF, bus driver for the youth choir and Ladies’ Double Nickle Club, and one of the founders of the Saint John’s softball team. He also served at countless chancel choir breakfasts where he was famous for his fruit salad. For many years he was a greeter and delivered welcoming packages with coffee cups to St. John’s visitors. Joe loved St. Johns United Methodist Church, and he treasured all the relationships he formed there.
In his free time, Joe enjoyed being an active member of the Rose-Rich Jaycees, Lamar Little League (as both a director and coach), Lamar Booster Club where he served as President, and Lamar Choir Booster Club. Joe was also a lifetime member of the Fort Bend County Fair where you could often find him working behind the scenes flipping burgers in the choir booth. He was a member of Fort Bend Country Club where he enjoyed the camaraderie of friends on the golf course but was forever frustrated by his swing. Joe loved attending his kids’ and grandkids’ sports events, performances, and school events. He very proudly shared the many accomplishments of his children and grandchildren.
Joe is survived by his beloved wife of thirty-two years, Barbara Benes, daughter, Cindy Witmer, daughter, Debbi Salls and her husband Kim Salls, son, Michael Benes and his wife Laura Benes, stepson, Troy Schulze and his wife Kayla Schulze, and stepdaughter, Stephanie Johnston. Joe will be dearly missed by sister, Judy Poston and her husband Bill Poston, sister, Betty Hill, brother, Donald Benes and his wife Francis Benes, and his brother-in-law Father Michael Jamail. He leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Mills Stewart Witmer, William Witmer, Hope Witmer, Iris Salls, Philip Salls, Charlotte Benes, Michael Benes, and Sloan Johnston. He will be deeply missed by his brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, cousins, and the whole Babin family.
Joe was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Benjamin Benes, his mother, Sylvia Jewel Haskins Benes, his nephew, Danny Hill, his nephew, Dustin Babin, his niece, Lisa O'Docharty, his former wife, Susan Jamail Benes, and his best friend, Charles Edwards.
A memorial service to celebrate Joe's life will be held on January 6, 2024, at 11:00 AM at St. John's United Methodist Church and will be streamed live on St. John’s UMC Facebook page. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Jude's Children Research Hospital or St. John's United Methodist Church in Richmond, Texas. The Jeter Memorial Funeral Home is assisting the family with the funeral arrangements.
Joe will be remembered as a loving husband, caring father, doting grandfather, and a respected member of the community. His warm personality and generous spirit touched the lives of many, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Condolences may be sent to the family in care of Jeter Memorial Funeral Home at www.jeterfuneralhome.com.
6 thoughts on “Joseph Bailey Benes”
Sending love and prayers for healing to Joe's family. He was a great man. I will miss him dearly.
Joe was one of the finest folks that I have had the pleasure of knowing and calling my friend. We met and became friends when he was involved with the founding of COMMUNTIY BANK (NEW FIRST NATIONAL BANK) in the late 1970's. (And I met Bugs Edwards about the same time, and so very often I was in the same place, at the same time, as both of those guys!). Being of the same political persuasion, sharing a love of history and a keen interest in (and involvement in) our community, we became very good friends and remained close friends. Lots of folks will miss Joe dearly!
Joe and his first wife Sussie were friends at St John’s before I went into the minister . Later we enjoyed New years breakfasts at Bugs and Carol Edwards house. Joe and Barbara furnished “tons” of bacon! Joe always had a good gentle spirit about him . His “kind” will be missed
Jodie was a friend for many decades. He was always kind and always a friend. I always counted on him and his family for real estate advice. He will be greatly missed. Thank you Cindy, Debbie and Michael for sharing your dad with us all. I remember many great years at St. John’s and lots of family visiting and political discussion. I send you all my love and care. I know this is difficult. Please know that you all mean a lot to me.
I have fond memories of Jodie. Stayed at at their Dairy in my youth. He and Donny would stick me in a large pile of Cow poop after milking cows. He was a Good Aggie and a Pilar of the Benes Family.
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