Benjamin Ernest De Bault, 84, of Hallettsville, Texas, father & grandfather, passed away on Saturday, October 18, 2025, after a short illness.  He was born an only child to Glen James DeBault & Mary Elenor Cook De Bault on February 17, 1941, in Yoakum Texas.

Benjamin grew up in Austin but spent many summers in Yoakum at his Grandma DeBault 's farm.  He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on August 11, 1958.  After his Honorable Discharge, August 1962, he moved to Yoakum and attended Victoria College.  He was employed with Southwestern Bell for 30 plus years working in the Richmond, Rosenburg, Yoakum, Hallettsville and Victoria areas as a lineman and later in repair.  After retirement he went back to work for Kasper Wire Works and Basic Energy.

Benjamin married Jerelene Mae Bennetsen at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Yoakum on December 16, 1967.  They enjoyed many fishing trips to the coast.  Over the years, he enjoyed many hobbies such as camping, fishing, working on old tractors, riding motorcycles, talking and meeting people on CB & HAM radios.  He also enjoyed the time spent with his grandchildren watching cartoons and taking them many times on morning 'Coffee Breaks' and afternoon 'Iced Tea Breaks' to the Smokehouse and Bel-air.

Benjamin is survived by:  his children, Tena Steffek & husband Douglas and Troy DeBault & wife Lynette; grandchildren, Crystal Steffek & fiancé Benjamin Grames, Trevor Steffek and Christopher James DeBault (CJ); step grandchildren, Kayla Beverly & husband Ryan, Rachel Umphress & husband Bailey; and step great-grandchild, Kendall Beverly.

Benjamin was preceded in death by his parents and wife of 50 years.

We will dearly miss our Dad and Papaw.

There will be a Celebration of Benjamin's Life on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at the Shiner American Legion Hall at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers , contributions may be made to the charity of one's choice.