Bennie Candelaria

(From Parker Mortuary)

Bennie Candelaria, age 70 of Joplin, passed away at his home, surrounded by his loving family, on Monday, November 16, 2015 after a short illness.

Born December 12, 1944 in Bernalillo County New Mexico, he was the son of the late Jose E. Candelaria and Vitalia Garcia Candelaria. Bennie had lived in Joplin since 1978, moving from San Diego, CA, where he'd lived ten years. A cement and concrete finisher all of his working life, he was a member of the Cement Masons Union, Local 744 in San Diego and worked for Resco Construction, R.D. Dale Construction in Joplin, before owning and operating B.C. Construction.

Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Linda Kay Dalton Candelaria; six children, Renee Worthington and husband Matt of Oronogo, Gina Candelaria, Jeff Candelaria, David Candelaria and wife Tina, Khristina Candelaria of Joplin, Melissa Smith and husband Gary, all of Joplin; his mother, Vitalia Candelaria of Albuquerque, NM; two sisters, Barbara Delgado and husband Frank, Teresa Cordova and husband Joseph, both of Albuquerque; three brothers, Jimmy Candelaria and wife Becky, Larry Candelaria, Gabriel Candelaria and wife Gloria, all of Albuquerque; eleven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Thursday at Parker Chapel. Family and friends will gather following the service at the home of a daughter, Melissa Smith. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Parker Mortuary.