Francisco Bentancur

Francisco Lerma Bentancur, Sr., a beloved member of the Wharton community, peacefully passed away at a nursing home in Wharton, TX on April 19, 2024. He was born on March 13, 1940, in Edna, TX to the late Manuel Bentancur and Antonia Lerma Bentancur. 

Francisco grew up in Mississippi and later made Wharton his home in 1971. He was a dedicated laborer in the air conditioning industry, working for Hudson Products.

While Francisco's primary focus was on supporting his family, he found immense joy in watching his children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews play baseball. His evenings were often spent with a contented smile watching old westerns and reminiscing on simpler times. His love for family and community was unwavering, evident in the cherished moments shared with his loved ones.  Francisco was preceded in death by his parents, Manuel and Antonia Bentancur, daughter, Melissa Bentancur; son, Martin Bentancur and brother, Braulio Rodriguez.

He is survived by his nephew who cared for him, Eloy Fira and wife, Sara of Wharton; his children, Francisco Jr. and daughter-in-law Lisa, Freddie, Irene, Braulio, Angie, Pete, and sister Ignacia Alvarez. Along with numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

In honor of Francisco's life, a visitation will be held on Sunday, April 21, 2024 starting a 5 p.m. with a Rosary recited at 6:30 p.m. at Wharton Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, April 22, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church with Father Antonio Perez officiating.  A Rite of Burial and Committal will follow at Wharton Cemetery.  Serving as pallbearers will be Shavoy Bentancur, Anthony Fira, Matthew Antone, Juan Cantu, Andrew ‘Big Boy’ Compian, and Hector Alvarez, Jr.

The family kindly requests that any donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

The family would like to thank the staff at Wharton Nursing & Rehabilitation Center and Choice Hospice, especially Nurse Practitioners, Ms. Kim and Ms. Caroline, and Medical Social Worker, Ms. Gigi.  Their care and compassion was so greatly appreciated.

Funeral Services are under the direction of Wharton Funeral Home.  Condolences may be left at whartonfuneralhome.com