Benny Joe Mayes

Benny Joe Mayes entered this life in February 16, 1938 in Durant, Oklahoma to Jink Mayes and Edna (Melton) Mayes. He passed from this life Sunday, September 5, 2021 at the age of 83 years old.

At this time no services are scheduled. All arrangements have been entrusted to the Whitt Funeral Home/Oakcrest Cremation Center in Duncan.

Benny married Marilyn Joyce Knott on May 11, 1958 in Duncan. They were married for 63 wonderful years before Benny's passing. Benny was an automotive mechanic shop owner at 502 East Willow in Duncan. He specialized in front end alignments. Everyone that knew Benny knew that he was the best auto repair person they had ever known. He had a love for everybody and had lots of lifetime customers and great friends. He was an expert in restoring antique car to show room quality. In the early 60s, he loved drag racing and won numerous trophies at the Duncan Drag Strip west of town. He enjoyed fishing at Waurika Lake and Lake Texoma. Benny was excellent at water skiing and taught many how to water ski. Benny loved to travel and some of his greatest memories were made of vacations with Marilyn to Colorado Springs, Colorado- to Pikes Peak, three trips to Old Mexico, a big vacation to Vera Cruz Old Mexico for a cousin’s wedding, and a fiesta for a 10 day trip, where they spent Christmas as well as New Years Day touring the town of Monterrey Old Mexico on the way. Benny also got to enjoy the Florida Keys, Islamorada, and fishing in the Gulf of Mexico as well as getting to enjoy trips to the Atlantic Ocean with his cousin Don Mayes and his wife Ana Maria who lived there.

Benny enjoyed hosting many fish fries throughout his years for his family and friends. One of his most famous guests was country music star, Jimmy Dickens. Benny took Jimmy catfishing at Waurika Lake and even helped hold a benefit concert at the Duncan High School auditorium for the VFW. He cooked fish for him and some of the members of the VFW of Duncan following the concert.

Benny is survived by his wife, Marilyn Mayes of the home, three sisters: Glenda Hall of Leavenworth, Kansas; Mary Lou Parish of Hackett, Arkansas; Ann Noriego of Van Buren, Arkansas; two brothers: Rip Mayes of Duncan; Ron Mayes of Hartford, Arkansas; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of great friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and four brothers: Jim Mayes; Doug Mayes; Tommy Mayes; Larry Mayes.

The family would like to thank the staff at Wilkins Health and Rehab as well as the Comforting Hands Hospice for all the love and care for Benny throughout his stay.

Online condolences as well as a fond memory of Benny can be made to the family at www.whittfh.com.