Bennie J. DeFoor, 87, passed away on September 13, 2016. He was born at home in the LaCasa community, in Harmon County, on January 6, 1929, to George Bruce and Mary Alice (Riley) DeFoor. He was the oldest and only son of seven children.

He served proudly in the U.S. Navy for three years (1947-50). After that Bennie J. met Lavada Garrett and they married on July 21, 1951. They had three children, LaQueta, Kay, and Keven. Bennie J. farmed and raised cattle many years on the sandhill farm until retiring. Bennie J. enjoyed fishing, hunting, and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He spent many hours as a houndsman in his early years hunting with friends Eugene Wheeler, Jackie Wilkerson, and a circle of other close friends and good hounds. He was a member of the Church of Christ. He also served as a member of the Arnett school board for several terms.

Bennie J. was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Dixie Feazel and Jill McAlister, and his beloved wife, Lavada DeFoor.

His survivors include four sisters Bonnie Brazel, Jack Coble, and Vonzell Wyatt, all of Pampa, Texas, and Brucie Gallett of Ardmore, Oklahoma. Other survivors include his daughters, LaQueta Pike of Hollis, Kay Rollins and husband Dale of San Angelo, Texas, and his son Keven DeFoor and wife Barbara of Hollis. He has five grandchildren, Michael McAlister and wife Karrie of Hollis, Travis Rollins of San Angelo, Krissa Hughes and husband Gary of San Angelo, Sarah Shotts and husband Casey, and Sam DeFoor, all of Hollis. He also has 6 great-grandchildren, Marilyn, Karlie, and Mattie McAlister, Rylee Hughes, and Garrett and Gage Shotts along with many other family members and friends.

The family house has been the site of untold numbers of games of 42, delicious meals, jovial recollections, belly laughs, practical jokes, and various wild tales.

The family wishes to thank the medical professionals and hospice staff for their counsel and caring over the past several months and to all of his friends who visited him over the past several weeks. He was ready to go.

Funeral services for Bennnie J. DeFoor will be at 1 p.m., Saturday, September 17, 2016, at the Hollis Church of Christ. Interment will follow at the McKnight Cemetery under the direction of Harmon County Funeral Home, of Hollis.

The family will greet friends at Harmon County Funeral Home on Friday from 5 until 6 p.m.

Online tributes and memories may be made to the family at www.HarmonCountyFuneral.com