Benito Serna Barela a.k.a., Grandpa B., 84, of Las Cruces, N.M. left peacefully surrounded by his family to be with Our Creator on August 29, 2023.

Benito worked in management for Shell, Texaco, and S&S Self-Serve. He also worked as a moving truck driver for Allied, Bekins & Mayflower for many years. He was a mechanic by trade and had a passion for helping people in any and every way possible. Benito loved spending time with his family, always being the life of a party wherever he went. He has left us with many fond memories. He also had many titles, Loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, Uncle, and Friend. Benito was a wonderful provider, never failing his loved ones.

Benito is survived by his wife of fifty-seven years marriage, Maria; sons, Arturo Barela (Julia), Jaime Barela (Racheal), and Lorenzo Barela; daughters, Merlinda Barela, Bertha Rel (Armando), and Valerie McDonald (Adam); 19 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; 4 brothers; 6 sisters; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; 1 granddaughter; 2 brothers; and 3 sisters.

A visitation for Benito will be held at 10:30am Thursday, September 7, 2023, at Our Lady of Purification, 5525 Cristo Rey Street. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11am. Benito will then be laid to rest at Dona Ana Cemetery.

Serving as casket bearers will include Rey Barela, Robert Speakman, Toni Villegas, Janessa Barela, Eddie Chavez and Matthew Cordova