John Ballard Bennett

John Ballard Bennett died Jan. 24, 2017 in Kerrville.

He was born April 1, 1929 in Edinburg and was the son of Irene and John Bennett.

He spent most of his early life in Weslaco and graduated from Weslaco High School in 1947. He attended the University of Texas at Austin where he graduated with a B.B.A. He also earned his J.D., with honors, from the University of Texas School of Law in 1954 where he was an editor of The Texas Law Review and a member of the Order of the Coif.

At the University of Texas, he met the love of his life and wife of 61 years, Mary Frances Chupick. After law school, he enlisted in the United States Army and served as a Captain in the Judge Advocate’s General Corp. Later, he co-founded Balcones Minerals Corporation in Flatonia with his father-in-law, John Chupick. He returned to the Rio Grande Valley where he practiced law for many years. He formerly was the president of the Weslaco Chamber of Commerce and Weslaco Lions Club. He retired to Kerrville in 1995.

In addition to his wife, Mary Frances Bennett, he is survived by his sons, John Bennett and David Bennett, his daughterin- law, Vaneesa Bennett, and his five beloved grandchildren: Scott, Spencer, Phillip, Luke and Lauren.

Visitation was held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 27, 2017 at Grimes Funeral Chapels in Kerrville.

Services were held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 28, 2017 in the Schreiner Chapel at First Presbyterian Church of Kerrville officiated by Rev. Dr. Rob Lohmeyer. Burial was held at the Moravian Brethren Church Cemetery at Ross Prairie.

Memorial contributions in his name may be made to Scottish Rite Hospital for Children in Dallas.

The family invites you to send condolences at www. grimesfuneralchapels.com by selecting the “Send Condolences” link.

Grimes Funeral Chapels of Kerrville was in charge of arrangements.