Richard Lawrence Benoit

Richard Lawrence Benoit

1936 – 2018

Richard Lawrence Benoit, age 82, of China, TX, passed away on November 30, 2018. He was born to Lawrence Benoit and Beulah Benton Belile Benoit on October 4, 1936 in Orange, TX.

A fun-loving, compassionate man, Richard could not help but live his life to the fullest. He loved life, and always found the positive no matter the circumstances or obstacles. Although you never knew what would come out of his mouth, he never brought you down. Every morning, he told the love of his life, Pat, how beautiful she was. Richard, or “Pawpaw” as many knew him, believed in people, praying daily line by line on his extensive prayer list. When he was with someone, you had his full attention; he made you feel special. Richard would do anything for anyone; however, he loved most, and was made happiest by, his grandbabies. Babies always had a special place in his heart; when he saw one, he would always light up and make a point to go dote on them. Throughout his life, he ensured that he always went to church and made sure his family attended. Whether it was for family, supporting his kids with “Pooter’s Bean Stop” at the local fairs or his 7 years owning Benoit’s Cajun Seafood with Pat, cooking was a passion that Richard had for his entire life. After suffering from ill-health in his later years, he missed doing the things that brought him so much joy: ranching and caring for his cows, farming and dancing to zydeco music. Richard never lost his positive, encouraging nature; and he leaves with all those he loved, many warm and special memories to cherish.

Left to honor his memory is his loving wife of 61 years, Patsy Ruth Benoit; daughters, Debbie Mobley and husband, Richard, of China, TX and Becky Broussard and husband, Gene, of Nome, TX; son, Richard “Ricky” Lawrence Benoit II and wife, Shelly, of Orange, TX; brother, Ronnie Benoit of China, TX; grandchildren, Kyle Broussard and wife, Jana, of Nome, TX, Alisa Broussard of Houston, TX, Cade Broussard and wife, Christina, of Nome, TX, Hanna Leger and husband, Brad, of Concord, CA, Maddie Sexton and husband, Joe, of Baton Rouge, LA, Richard “Trey” Benoit III of Orange, TX, Tanner Sullivan of Orange, TX, Kaiden Benoit of Orange, TX and Kendall Sullivan of Orange, TX; and great-grandchildren, Cambrie, Colton, Conley, Bronson and Liam.

Preceding Richard in death were his parents; brother, Larry Benoit; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Benny and Florence Gryder.

Visitation with family and friends will be 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., Sunday, December 2, 2018, at Wesley United Methodist Church, 3810 N Major Dr, Beaumont, TX 77713. Richard’s life honoring service will follow at 4:00 p.m. also at the church, with Rev. Rick Ivey and Rev. Robert Besser officiating.

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