Benigno Chaos Jr.

Beningo Chaos, Jr., age 77 of Welch, West Virginia passed away peacefully on June 8th, 2020, at the home of his sister in Daniels, West Virginia, while recuperating from recent health issues.

The son of Benigno Chaos and Elizabeth Renka Chaos, Benigno was born on May 27th, 1943, at Welch.  Benny was educated in McDowell County schools where he was a 1961 honor graduate from Welch High School and he was the first student to receive a dual diploma completing both college preparatory courses as well as the completion of the vocational requirements to become a certified welder.   Benny began his college studies on a scholarship to WV Institute of Technology in Montgomery, West Virginia, after which he completed his four year degree from the University of Arizona in Tucson.  He retired from Chevron Oil after a career as project manager of oil rigs off the coast of Louisiana as well as throughout the world.  He enjoyed flying planes and helicopters and he loved traveling to different countries and interacting with people from many different cultures, but yet he was never happier than when he returned home to McDowell County where he cherished the solitude of mountain living, fishing in streams, stopping at flea markets and sharing his life with any dog that needed a home.  Often he was affectionately referred to by some as the “the Dog Man.”   Benny was a man of great faith and he loved living a simple life but he was not a simple man; brilliant, kind, and generous, he loved having a robust debate which he seldom lost!  The “Dog Man” will be missed by his beloved dogs, but he will also be missed by his family as well as his many friends which he met along the way.

In addition to his parents, Benny was preceded death by his beloved brother, Antonio Chaos.   Survivors include one daughter, Danielle Deppisch Marks (Jim) and two granddaughters, Helena and Julia Marks of Appleton, Wisconsin and two sisters, Mary Barnett (Gene) of Roanoke, Virginia and Elizabeth “Betty” Rice of Daniels, West Virginia, in addition to a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, his many friends and his seven beloved dogs.

Honoring Benny’s wishes, his body was cremated and a private memorial will be held at a later date.

Melton Mortuary in Beckley, West Virginia is serving the Chaos family. 

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