Jules Garland “Ben” Benoit, age 82, of Lake Charles, La., passed away peacefully on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023. He was surrounded by family when he succumbed to an injury in a New Orleans hospital.
Garland was born on July 24, 1940, to Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Jules and Alice Potts Benoit in Lake Charles, La.
Garland was orphaned by age 6 and suffered a traumatic childhood. In spite of his sad circumstances, he was known for being kind and courteous. Garland graduated from LC High School and proudly served in the U.S. Army National Guard for 8 years. He was a specialist in the 156th Infantry, Combat Engineer, Sharpshooter, and a Squad Leader.
At age 19, Garland married the love of his life, Dovie Marie Midkiff. Garland was a devoted family man who worked hard to ensure his children had a better childhood than he. He coached his sons in Moss Bluff Dixie Majors Baseball and served as President for 2 years. Garland was a NHSRA Rodeo dad who hauled horses statewide and to National Finals Rodeos in WY, CO, and SD.
Garland retired from GSU now known as Entergy after 36 years. For 8 years, he also worked weekends through his business, Benoit Electric. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren compete in baseball, football, wrestling, track, softball, and cheerleading.
Garland was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Dovie Benoit; daughter, Kristina Marie Benoit-Krejci; and his parents.
Survivors include his sons, Richard G. Benoit of Moss Bluff, and Travis (Jendi) Benoit of Lake Charles; daughter, Pamela (Shadd) Savoie of Lake Charles; son-in-law, Rick Krejci of Westlake; grandchildren; Rikky Benoit, Barrett “Britt” (Alexandra) Savoie, Layna Savoie, Colby Benoit and Luke Wyatt Benoit; great-granddaughter, Isla Savoie; nephew, Alvin Midkiff; nieces, Debbie (Darrell) Cooper and Donna (Wayman) Jimerson.
Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. until time of service on Thursday at Hixson Funeral Home in Moss Bluff.
A Celebration of Life Service will begin at 1 p.m. on Thursday in Hixson Moss Bluff Chapel. Celebrant Jody Barrilleaux will lead services. Burial will follow in New Ritchie Cemetery with Military Honors.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hixsonmossbluff.com for the Benoit family.