Benjamin Perea

Benjamin Perea, 86, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and uncle was called to his eternal resting place with the Lord on April 15, 2017.  He was born on May 12, 1930 in Torreon, New Mexico.

He is survived by Celeste Perea, his beloved wife of 61 years; son Benjamin Perea of Albuquerque, New Mexico, daughter Linda Sedillo and husband Raymond of Albuquerque and daughter Mary Louise (Lisa) Taylor and husband John of Dallas, Texas; Grandchildren, Melissa Sedillo of Scottsdale, Arizona, Melinda Rodriguez and husband Jose of Albuquerque, Dr. Suzanne Burns and husband Kevin of Charleston, South Carolina and Jaimee Perea of Dallas, Texas, who were the love, pride, and joy of his life.  He was preceded in death by his parents Escolastica and Antonio Perea and his sister and brothers, Fidela Gallegos, Antonio Perea, Boleslo Perea and Pablo Perea.  He is survived by one brother, Ermenes Perea of Estancia, New Mexico and many nieces and nephews.

Benjamin was a personal friend of the late country singer Johnny Cash, whom he met after joining the United States Air Force in 1950.  Benjamin and Johnny were stationed in Landsberg, Germany during the Korean War (12th RSM) and became the best of friends; they traveled Europe together and were in communication until Johnny’s death in 2003; after that time Johnny’s family kept in contact, the most recent communication being from Johnny’s daughter Tara regarding the placement of a letter from Benjamin to Johnny in the Johnny Cash museum in Dyess, Arkansas.  Benjamin was interviewed and quoted in several Johnny Cash biographies including an interview which took place in New York City, initiated by PBS; the most recent book interview, Johnny Cash; The Life, was published in 2014.

Benjamin and Celeste were devoted members of Saint Peter and Saint Paul Catholic Church in Estancia, New Mexico where Benjamin was a one time President of the Parish Council.  Benjamin was also a Volunteer Fireman for the Town of Estancia, a Town Councilman, also for the Town of Estancia, as well as a long-term board member of The New Mexico EMW Gas Association Board in Estancia.  Benjamin was also a member of the American Legion Organization of Estancia and the American Legion Organization of Albuquerque.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at The Shrine of Saint Bernadette Catholic Parish in Albuquerque on Thursday, April 20, 2017 at 9:00 AM with a Holy Rosary to follow at 12 noon at Saint Peter and Saint Paul Catholic Church in Estancia. Interment will follow the Rosary with Military Honors at the Estancia Memorial Cemetery in Estancia, New Mexico.

Pallbearers are Kevin Burns, Patrick Gallegos, James Klein, Gilbert Pino, Jose Rodriguez and John Taylor.

Honorary Pallbearer is Ermenes Perea, and Raymond Sedillo.

Benjamin goes before us with memories of his love for God, family, life, friendliness, cheerfulness and humor.  May we follow the trail he has made for us until we find him once more with his savior at his side.

FRENCH - Lomas

10500 Lomas Blvd. NE

(505) 275-3500

www.frenchfunerals.com