Rev. Benjamin Meneses

Aug 10, 1940 -

Mar 21, 2021

Benjamin was born on Aug. 10, 1940, to Cornelia and Jose Meneses in Rio Bravo Tamaulipas in Northeastern Mexico. Benjamin's parents migrated to the United States when he was a young child. His parents served as evangelists in Texas and Arizona. They eventually settled in Picacho, Ariz.

Benjamin lived mostly in Arizona, Texas, and Alaska. He moved to Denver and Wisconsin for a short period of time but always found his way back to Arizona or Texas.

In 1973, Benjamin became a minister with the UPLCII and pastored churches in Cuero, Houston, and Pasadena, Texas; Eloy, Casa Grande and Tucson, Ariz.; as well as Anchorage, Alaska. For the last several years, he served as the Presbyter for Alaska, UPLCII.

Benjamin enjoyed preaching and sharing the gospel. He loved music. You could always find a guitar in his hand or close by. He loved to sing and play when he had the opportunity.

God always smiled down on Ben for his faithfulness. Anything he put his hands to, prospered, making him a successful businessman; he previously owned a glass and screen shop in Phoenix and a produce company in Eloy. Ben also put his hands to work remodeling manufactured homes.

Ben was preceded in death by his parents, Cornelia Rocha Meneses and Jose Soto Meneses; siblings, Arturo Meneses, Agripina Meneses Vega, Eva Meneses Ibarra, Juan Meneses and Tavita Meneses Martinez; and his first wife, Olivia Lopez Meneses.

On Feb. 26, 1960, Benjamin married Olivia Lopez: they remained married for 52 years. On June 27, 2015, Benjamin married Martha Conde.

He is survived by his second wife, Martha Conde Meneses; Benjamin Meneses Jr. (wife Rachel); David Meneses (wife Esther); Rose Mary Meneses; Samuel Meneses (wife Kimberly); Angela Meneses; Emma Jean Meneses; 19 grandchildren; and 47 great-grandchildren.

It is with great sadness we say goodbye to Benjamin, but we will always carry his loving memory in our hearts. It is also with much joy that we celebrate his life.

A Memorial Service will be held in Anchorage on Monday, March 29, 2021, at 6 p.m., at Fountain of Christian Love Church, 1220 E Street. A Reception to follow in the Fellowship Hall.

A Memorial Service will be held in Texas. More information will be provided as it becomes available.