Bennie Olsson Baeza, 85, died peacefully in Weimar, Texas on April 27, 2021. He was born on August 26, 1935, in Colorado County, Texas to Bennie and Annie Lou Baeza and graduated from Abilene High School in 1953. He was preceded in death by his parents, his son, Mike, and his siblings, Tony, Lynn, and Albert.
Gwendolyn Marie Smith Baeza, 91, died peacefully on January 14, 2026, in Weimar, Texas. She was born on September 4, 1934, to Clarence and Eunice Smith in Comanche, Texas and graduated from Comanche High School in 1951. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Bennie, her son, Mike, her daughter, Sheree, and her siblings, Frances, Maxine and Roger. Bennie and Gwen are survived by their son Mark Baeza and his wife, Margaret, and five grandchildren, Andy Baeza, Dan (Dawn) Rodgers, Mickey (Megan) Rodgers, Rachel (Luis) Baeza-Garza, Brittany (Logan) Filipek, thirteen great-grandchildren and other extended family members and friends.
Bennie and Gwen were married on August 9, 1953, in Taylor County, Texas. They shared 67 years of marriage together raising three children and creating lasting memories through yearly family vacations across the United States. They welcomed and loved each grandchild and great grandchild and created special memories with them. Bennie worked with Massey Ferguson and Krause for many years until retirement. He enjoyed golf, reading, traveling and creating stained glass art, many pieces of which remain with family and friends. He was active along with Gwen for many years with Gideon International placing Bibles in businesses. He enjoyed teaching his men’s bible class at New Hope Baptist Church located in Cedar Park, Texas where they lived for 30 years. Gwen was a dedicated wife and homemaker. She enjoyed reading, sewing, quilting with her mother and bible studies with Bible Study Fellowship. She also enjoyed being a part of the Sweet Adelines singing in many competitions and performances. In September 2019, Bennie and Gwen transitioned to Parkview Nursing Home in Weimar, Texas, where they spent their final years together.
Bennie and Gwen’s unwavering devotion to their family continues to resonate through generations. Their shared commitment to their love and Christian faith created a foundation that has shaped the lives of their children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren. The values they instilled, their enduring love and steadfast faith will be honored and remembered by all who knew them. Bennie’s remains will be placed with Gwen, allowing them to rest together. This final act is a testament to their lifelong partnership, honoring the 67 years they spent side by side in marriage and family. Their shared journey and devotion to one another will continue, as they are united in rest just as they were in life.
The family wishes to extend heartfelt appreciation to the dedicated staff at Parkview for their care during this time. Special thanks are also given to Brazos Valley Hospice for the care provided to Bennie, and to Hospice of South Texas for their devoted care to Gwen. Their kindness and commitment brought comfort and peace to Bennie, Gwen, and their loved ones.
Visitation will be held at Heartland Funeral Home in Comanche, Texas, on Friday, January 23, 2026, from 11:00 am -1:00 pm. Funeral services, officiated by Pastor Edward Billock of Fellowship Church, Liberty Hill, will follow at 1:00 pm with burial at Oakwood Cemetery at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gideons International at https://gideons.org/giving