Emile Reed Benoit, 83, of Winnie, died Sunday, January 6, 2013, at Christus Hospital St. Elizabeth, Beaumont. He was born on November 4, 1929, in Morse, Louisiana, to Amelia Landry Benoit and Alcee Benoit.

Reed worked for thirty-two years with Abshire Plumbing, and twenty-eight years as a self-employed plumber before retiring.  He was a faithful member of St. Louis Catholic Church where Ray served as an usher. He was an avid Dallas Cowboy fan, but will be remembered most of all as a selfless and giving man who loved and cherished his family and friends.

Reed is survived by his loving wife of sixty years, Edelia Benoit; daughters, Donna Racca and her fiancé, Pat LeBouef; Janet Vayon and her husband, Jeffery; and Rhonda Derouen and her husband, Martin, all of Winnie; grandchildren, Scott Racca, Derek Racca, Jamie McFarland, Taylor Derouen, and Hannah Derouen; great-grandchildren, Tanner Racca, Madison Racca, Garrett Racca, Tyler Racca, Jacob Reed Racca, Avery Racca, Layton Phend, Hunter Brown, and Madi Barron ; sisters, Trixie Bertrand and her husband, Alexson Sr., of Winnie, and Jeanette Verde of Beaumont; and numerous other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Polay Benoit, Ernest Benoit, Carroll Benoit, and Joe Benoit; sisters, Vina Breaux, Winnie Richard, Carrie Faulke, and Lillian Abshire; and son-in-law, Ray Racca.

A gathering of Mr. Benoit’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., with a Rosary recited at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 8, 2013, at Broussard’s, 134 West Buccaneer Drive, Winnie.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 9, 2013, at St. Louis Catholic Church, 315 West Buccaneer Drive, Winnie, with interment to follow at Fairview Cemetery, Winnie.