In memory of Benjamin Cavazos of Mission.
WHEREAS, Residents of Mission lost an admired civic leader
and a friend to many with the passing of Benjamin Cavazos on
March 8, 2025, at the age of 94; and
WHEREAS, The son of Poulina Sepulveda, Ben Cavazos was born
in Sharyland on May 5, 1930; he graduated from Sharyland High School
and received specialized training in the U.S. Army; after working
for Cameron Electric in McAllen, he cofounded Mission Auto
Electric, and he soon bought out his partner; the company
flourished, becoming MAE Power Equipment on its 50th anniversary in
2004; over the years, Mr. Cavazos mentored countless employees, as
well as customers who started lawn care businesses, and he was
founder and charter president of the Texas Service Dealers
Organization; and
WHEREAS, In 1965, Mr. Cavazos joined the Mission Chamber of
Commerce, and today, MAE Power Equipment is its longest-tenured
member; he was also a founder of the Citrus Cavaliers, who served as
city ambassadors with the chamber; during more than a half century
with the Mission Kiwanis Club, he was its announcer for the Texas
Citrus Fiesta Parade and served several terms as president; in
addition, he was a member of the Mission Jaycees, and he served on
the Mission hospital board for almost two decades; as a parishioner
of Saint Paul Catholic Church, he was active in the Cursillo
Movement and the men’s group; he received myriad accolades for his
contributions, including selection as the 1980 City of Mission Man
of the Year, as the 1984 Mr. Mission, and as the 2019 Business
Leader of the Year by the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Cavazos and his first wife, Margarita Cuevas,
became the proud parents of three children, Benjamin, Joe, and
Teresa; following the amicable end of their union, he was fortunate
enough to find love a second time, and he married Rita Cavazos in
1968; they were blessed with two children, Martha and Oscar;
Mr. Cavazos loved family road trips and always brought home
wonderful stories, and he considered any occasion a good reason for
a party; and
WHEREAS, Ben Cavazos gave freely of his time and talents to
benefit his community, and although he is deeply missed by those he
has left behind, they will forever treasure their memories of his
wisdom, kindness, and geniality; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Benjamin Cavazos and
extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his
children, Benjamin Lee Cavazos, Joe Hector Cavazos, Teresa
Bourbois, Martha Claudia Cavazos Fipps, and Oscar Antonio Cavazos,
and their spouses; to his 12 grandchildren and 13
great-grandchildren; and to his other relatives and friends; and,
be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Ben
Cavazos.
