Ben  Franco, Jr.

Ben Franco, Jr., 70, went to be with the Lord Thursday, October 12, 2017, at his residence. Mr. Franco was formerly of Mathis, TX and lived in Pharr since 1982. He was a US Air Force Veteran who served during the Vietnam War; and also a Veteran of the US Army. He was a Major in the Army Reserve and a member of the Texas State Guard. Mr. Franco was in education and held several positions throughout his career and retired as an Administrator and Director of Food Services for Donna ISD.
Ben was well known for being an ordained Pastor and loved teaching others about Christ. He is preceded in death by his father, Benito Franco, Sr.
Ben is survived by his wife, Gilma R. Franco of Pharr, a son, John Robert "Bobby" and his wife Alejandra Rubi Franco of Palmhurst, a daughter, Ana Luisa and her husband Alfred Jeremy "AJ" Voegtle of Pharr; three grandchildren, Maritza Renee Franco, Erik Jason Ryan, and Joshua Derek Tate Franco; his Mother, Amelia C. Franco; and five siblings, Baltazar Franco, Adelita Franco, Aurora Mandel, Alfredo Franco and Janie Smith, all of the Mathis and Corpus Christi area.
Visitation will be held from 5 - 9 p.m., with a 7 p.m. prayer service Sunday, October 15, 2017, at Memorial Funeral Home in San Juan. Funeral Service will take place at 9:30 a.m. Monday, October 16, 2017, at Memorial Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission.
Military honors will be conducted by VFW Post 8788 of McAllen.
Funeral services are under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home in San Juan.