Cipriano Gonzales Benavides, Master Sergeant United States Air Force, Retired has reported for duty to the House of the Lord effective 11 June 2007. Cipriano was born 8 August 1935 in San Benito, Texas to Fidencio and Bruna Benavides. As a dedicated Father, friend and mentor, Cipriano touched many lives and influenced countless others. He was a skilled craftsman who enjoyed many things including playing and listening to music, seeing the world and he always loved to laugh at a good or bad joke. Cipriano joined The United States Air Force in January 1956 and proudly served his country for 26 years at numerous installations including Carswell Air Force Base Texas, Webb Air Force Base Texas, Fort Hood Texas, Turner Air Force Base Georgia, United States Embassy La Paz, Bolivia, Nellis Air Force Base Nevada, Lackland Air Force Base Texas, Randolph Air Force Base Texas, The Pentagon, Tan Son Nhut Air Field Saigon, Vietnam, Clark Air Base Philippines retiring at Bergstrom Air Force Base Texas. He was awarded The Air Force Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with One Silver Oak Leaf Cluster and One Oak Leaf Cluster, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal with Two Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Longevity Service Award with Four Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Three Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Meritorious Unit Commendation, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Three Oak Leaf Clusters, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Survived by his loving Wife of 10 years; Alba R. Benavides, beloved Children; Dianna Joan Benavides, John Glenn Santana Benavides, and Darrel Wayne Benavides and wife Maggie, one Grandchild; Ryan Glithero, Mother of his Children; Mary Benavides, one Brother; Joe Benavides, 3 Sisters; Nora delaCruz Julia Araujo, Oralia Garcia and a host of Nieces and Nephews. Cippy?..Dad, your wisdom, laughter and infectious smile will live on forever in all of us and we wish you eternal peace and happiness with our Lord in Heaven. Recitation of Holy Rosary on Thursday at 7:00pm Mission Funeral Home-Remembrance Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 10:00am at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, Rev. Fr. J.C. Cain, O.M.I. officiating. Internment will follow with full military honors at Assumption Cemetery.