Tommy Lynn Benjamin, 84, of Las Cruces, NM, passed away on December 4, 2025. Born on December 19, 1940, in Bayard, NM, he was a devoted husband to Regina and a loving father to Ruby and Tommy.
Tom was an avid bass fisherman. He enjoyed fishing at Elephant Butte (NM), San Carlos (AZ), Lake Roosevelt (AZ), and Lake Powell (AZ). He loved bowling and spent years bowling in the leagues with his buddies. In high school, he played football for Cobre High School and had many scholarship opportunities. He also loved running track. He spent four years in the United States Navy.
Tom was hard-working and dedicated. He spent 37 years working as a heavy equipment operator for the mines in Santa Rita, NM, where he developed many wonderful friendships with his crew. Despite his many responsibilities, he always made time for his family. He enjoyed birthdays, holidays, and vacations with his family and extended family. Though Tom may not have liked being the center of attention, he deserves to have his long years of fatherly love honored. He was a man of integrity and a devoted father and husband. He was tough, fearless, and uncompromising when it came to protecting others. As he grew older, nothing mattered more to him than his family. Time with his kids, grandkids, and great-grandson was pure joy to him. He could be rough, but he loved us fiercely—more deeply than we may ever fully understand. His stories, his laughter, his protectiveness, his lessons…they live in us now.
He is preceded in death by his father Richard A. Benjamin, his mother E. Maurine Benjamin, his brothers Richard L. Benjamin and Harry L. Benjamin. He is survived by his loving wife Regina. His daughter Ruby Smith and spouse Kevin Smith of Surprise, AZ. His son Tommy Benjamin and spouse Sara Benjamin. of Las Cruces, NM. His 11 grandchildren, Robert Smith, Velouria Alvillar (Michael), Naysa Smith (Alyssa), James Benjamin (Mckynze), Gianna Smith, Neveah Benjamin, Esther Benjamin, Charity Benjamin, Hope Benjamin, Josiah Benjamin, and Jackson Benjamin; his great grandchildren, Micah Alvillar, Alana Alvillar, and Asher Smith, his nieces Peggy Benjamin and Maurine (Vern) Laney, as well as many friends and extended family members who will miss him dearly.
A Memorial service will be held on Tuesday, December 23rd at 12:30pm at Terrazas Funeral Chapels with Pastor Tim Heyer officiating. Concluding service, inurnment will follow at Fort Bayard National Cemetery at 2pm with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to CAST for Kids Foundation or Kids Can Fish.
We find comfort in knowing that Dad's legacy lives on through the lessons he taught us, the love he shared, and the memories we will cherish forever.
Cremation has taken place at Terrazas Crematoy. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.
