Benjamin Bitonel, Sr.

Benjamin Bitonel, Sr. 93 of Dumas passed away on Saturday, July 11, 2026. A Rosary will be held at 6 o’clock in the evening on Friday, July 17, 2026, at Morrison Memorial Chapel. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 o’clock in the morning on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church with Father Luis Lopez, officiating. Interment will follow at Dumas Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Beeson ~ Morrison Funeral Directors.

Benjamin Bitonel, Sr., born on April 29, 1933, to Jose and Isabel Vittonel. On April 18, 1953, he married Maria Chavez, beginning a partnership marked by mutual respect and enduring affection. Together, they navigated life's joys and challenges, creating a close-knit family that stood at the center of Benjamin’s world.

Benjamin spent his career working as a butcher—a craft through which he provided for his family with dedication and pride. In the workplace, he was known for his reliability and steady character, qualities that he carried into every aspect of his life.

Family was always Benjamin’s greatest treasure. He took immense joy in watching his grandchildren grow, offering them wisdom, laughter, and unwavering support. His love for gardening was evident in the beauty he cultivated around his home, and he was known to enjoy playing the lottery, always embracing a spirit of hope and optimism.  Benjamin also had a great love for music and enjoyed playing his guitar, accordion and singing along. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings: Elena, Joe, Frankie, Charlie, Roy, Johnny and Eve, as well as his daughter: Ovet Surowiec; grandson: Leo Ruiz, Jr., and his son-in-law: Byron Carter, Sr.

Benjamin is survived by his loving daughters, Mary Carter and Anjie Castilleja and husband Domingo; his sons, David Bitonel Sr. and wife Joann, Benjamin Bitonel, Jr. and wife Gaylene. His legacy lives on in his grandchildren: Lisette Ruiz, Lupe Surowiec, Gregory Surowiec, Ashley Frick, Byron Carter, Jr., Tyron Carter, Jessica Salazar, Andrea Rosendo, Allison Loya, David Bitonel, Jr., Ashley Carrizales, Jacob Bitonel, Victoria Skroch, Toby Bitonel, and Marco Bitonel; 23 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great-grandchildren; sisters: Maggie Garza, Beatrice Burrell, and Mary Almanza.

Throughout his life, Benjamin demonstrated resilience, generosity, and a quiet strength that inspired those around him. His memory will be treasured always, carried forth in the lives of his family and in the many lives he touched. He was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church and will be dearly missed by his family and all who knew him.

The family would like to express their heart felt gratitude to Dr. Apolinario and Memorial Hospice for the excellent care given to Ben.