Benny Colon, Christian music producer

DOWNEY – Born to Juan M. Colon and Lupe S. Colon on Jan. 7, 1952, Benjamin “Benny” Gilbert Colon passed away April 1. He is survived by his wife, Christine Gallagher Colon; ; sister Beatrice Colon; brothers Joe Saavedra, Jimmy Colon; first wife Lydia Franco; daughters Cynthia Colon Hoepner (Brian), Autumn Caban Herbert (JD), Jessica Colon Nunez (Miguel), Stephanie Colon, and Trinity Caban Hardy (Tom); son Robert Kantaeng (Melissa), grandchildren Katelynn Hellard, Travis Hellard, Nayeli Nunez and Saige Herbert, mother-in-law Dolores Spence.

He was predeceased by his second wife Juanita Lopez Colon.

Benny grew up in Compton and attended Dominguez High School. He spent his early years playing the trumpet, organ and drums for his band, the Egyptian Knights, later knwon as The Creative Sounds.

He worked at Ace Lumber in Lynwood and was a licensed contractor.

He also established Concert Services, putting on Spanish Christian concerts and tours, producing CDs and DVDs for new artists, and developing Spanish media for Promise Keepers. He also conducted interviews for the newspaper El Orador.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, April 12, at 1:30 p.m. at Desert Reign Church in Downey. The family requests bright colors be worn to the celebration.

In lieu of flowers, the family requested contributions to Christine Colon for a memorial garden. The family is also accepting potted plants.

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Published: April 10, 2014 - Volume 12 - Issue 52