Jose Gallegos

Jose Ben Gallegos was born on November 12, 1928, in Alpine, Brewster County Texas and he was called to eternal rest on Saturday, March 19, 2022.

Ben, as he was popularly known, was the owner of the Comanche Tortilla and Tamale Factory originally founded by Angel R Terrazas and his mother Eliza Webster Terrazas in 1947. Son Joe Ben (JB) Gallegos, Jr. later took over ownership of the business.

Ben was a Navy veteran entering the service on January 1, 1946 and was stationed at Pearl Harbor.  He was promoted to Seaman 1st Class on September 16, 1946.  Seaman 1st Class Gallegos served at NTC San Diego and was Honorably Discharged at the Presidio in San Francisco on November 20, 1947, after completing his enlistment.

Ben was active in the community for many years.  He was a founding member and past president of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), American GI Forum, and a Lions Club Member and director.  Ben also served as a board member of the Pecos County Community Action Center, was a Butz School PTA member and Chairman.  He also helped organize and served on the Butz School Reunion committee.  Ben was active in Boy Scouts of America as a Scout Master when his sons Edward, JB and Gilbert became scouts.

Ben was also an active member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and a member of the Holy Name Society.  He was also a Crusillista, having attended his first Crusillo at St Joseph’s in San Angelo in 1965.  He was also a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church as well as a member/director of the St Agnes Credit Union.

Ben was an outstanding athlete in his younger years.  He was a basketball player for Butz School and played baseball for the Veteranos as a1st baseman.  He also coached his son Gilbert for the Angel’s Little League team.

Ben married Emma Nieto Gonzales on February 16, 1952. They both raised five boys, Edward Gonzales Gallegos (Teresa), Joe Ben (JB) Gallegos(Steve), Gilbert Gonzales Gallegos (Patricia), Oscar Gonzales Gallegos (girlfriend Nancy), and Charles Gabriel Gallegos (Mary).

Ben was preceded in death by his father Wenserlado Gallego and Stepmother Amelia. Also preceding him in death were his mother Eliza Webster Terrazas and stepfather, Angel R Terrazas.

Surviving siblings are sisters Nene Espinoza (Modesto), Elidia Leyva (Abelardo), Larissa Gallego, BJ Gallego (Linda), Jimmy Gallego (Christy), Ruben Gallego (Abelina) and Berta Celaya (Eldefonso).

Ben & Emma have 14 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren with the newest grandchild, Brielle Everly Garcia.

Services, rosary, and mass will be held this Thursday, March 24, 2022, at St Joseph’s Catholic Church beginning at 9am with burial following at St Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery.  Luncheon will follow at the Ft. Stockton Community Theater across the street from the Comanche Tortilla & Tamale Factory.