Benjamin M. Yudesis

Benjamin M. “Judge” Yudesis passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 26, 2024, at Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen, Texas. 

He is survived by his loving family, including his sister Anne (Richard); nieces Leah (Jason) and Sarah (Ian) and nephew Joel (Susan); grandnieces and grandnephews Aviva, Solomon, Noah, Elijah, Gabriel, Oscar, Marceline, Katherine, and Alexandra; stepchildren Jonathan (Mary) and Lorri (Jay); and grandson Jacob. Benjamin was preceded in death by his first wife, Nancy S. Yudesis, and his second wife, Donna J. Wilson-Yudesis.

Born at Valley Baptist on November 13, 1938, to Sol and Miriam Yudesis, Benjamin grew up in San Benito and led a life marked by service and distinction. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Texas A&M University in 1961 and his Juris Doctor from the University of Texas at Austin in 1964. He was a respected attorney and judge in San Benito and Harlingen for many years. 

Benjamin was especially proud of his twenty-plus years of service as a major in the United States Army. He was also an active member of the National Sojourners, a Master Mason for over fifty years, and a member of the San Benito and Harlingen Elks Lodges for over sixty years. 

Known affectionately as Benjamin, Benjy, Ben, or Judge, he had a talent for storytelling and a gift for fostering fellowship. His love of social connections was evident in the many circles he graced. Benjamin traveled often, visiting family, attending National Sojourners conventions, and dressing impeccably, whether in historical costumes or formal black tie. At home, he could often be found engrossed in a good book or delighting in the company of his beloved “puppy people,” who enjoyed a life of true devotion in the Yudesis household.

Our extended family and his large network of friends will deeply miss this devoted son, brother, cousin, uncle, stepfather, grandfather, and friend. May his memory be for a blessing. 

Benjamin will be buried with full military honors at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas, on Monday, January 6, 2025, at 10:15 a.m.

A celebration of his life will take place at Temple Beth Israel in Harlingen, Texas, on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at 3:00 p.m.

Those wishing to make a donation in Benjamin’s memory may do so to the National Sojourners (https://nationalsojourners.org/donations/) or to the Cameron County Animal Shelter (https://www.cameroncountytx.gov/publichealth/programs/animal-shelter/).