Clarence “Tex” Benkoski

Clarence “Tex” Benkoski, age 78 of Brenham and the husband of Bonnie Benkoski, passed away Wednesday, February 11, 2015 at the family residence. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. with Rosary at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 12 in Brenham Memorial Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, February 13 in St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Brenham.

Tex was born in Austin County, Texas to Joe and Martha (Stegent) Benkoski. He graduated from Brenham High School. On December 27, 1958 he was united in marriage to Bonnie Young in Washington County. He served in the National Guard for seven years (1958-1965). As a young man, he worked as a tile setter and contractor. Then he spent several years at Sealy Mattress. Tex began the Barbeque business in 1982 with his wife, Bonnie, until 2012, when they closed the restaurant. He built up the barbeque business from one small pit to full service including catering. He absolutely loved his business and so very proud of having served President George Bush, as governor. Tex was well known all over the area for his delicious open pit barbeque. He loved to greet everyone as they entered the door and socialize while ordering and eating, too. He made so many friends at Tex’s Barbeque. Along with the barbeque business, he also enjoyed his cows, listening to Cub’s games and watching “Gunsmoke”. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church

Survivors include his wife Bonnie; daughters Becky Hanath (husband Rodney), Bernadette Hancock (husband J.P.), Beth Minavi (husband Mike); grandchildren Krystal Wellman, Nicholaus Hanath and fiancée Mallory Warzon, Aurbrey Eikenhorst and husband Blake, Chelsea Minavi, Casey Minavi. Also many cousins, friends from Sealy Mattress, Kenjura Tile and employees and friends from Tex’s Barbeque survive him. He is also survived by his constant companion, Kitty, Kitty.

He was preceded in death by his parents, numerous aunts and uncles.

Pallbearers will be Ted, Zientek, Lloyd Beckermann, Jim Brown, David Stegent, Gene Pawlak and Bill Vasicek.

Memorials may be directed to St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, TX. 979.836.3611. To leave tributes go to www.BrenhamMemorialChapel.com