C. Farrell"Benny"Fruge'

C. Farrell "Benny" Fruge', 83, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 11, 2016, at 8:48 pm surrounded by his family. He was the most amazing Husband, Father, Grandfather, Uncle, and Friend to all. He spent his life being an example of generosity to others. He never met a stranger and he could light up any room just by walking into it. All who met him instantly loved him. He loved to entertain, sing, and play the piano. He freely donated his time and talents to area nursing homes and churches. He was a frequent performer as "the Maestro, Professor Benny", on the local Buckskin Bill Show. In the 1950s, he performed and traveled with Lefty Frizzell until he married the love of his life in 1954. A few years later, when offered a recording contract, which required him to move away, he turned it down to build a life with his family, a decision he never regretted. Born in Basile, LA, he was a graduate of Basile High School. He moved to Baton Rouge, where he remained and raised a family. He was a charter member and longtime Usher at St Thomas More Parish and Catholic Church. He was a longtime Captain and Co-Captain of the Manresa Retreat Group #34. He reigned as King Tucumcari in 1979. He grew up in the small country town of Basile, LA, and began tuning pianos 70 years ago, following in the steps of his father, a blind piano tuner. He later went on to graduate from the Piano Technicians Guild and became a Master Technician and Craftsman. His reputation as a master technician grew quickly and it wasn't long before all major celebrities passing through were requesting him to tune their concert grand. In 1980, he opened his own piano store, Fruge's Piano Company. He continued to share his music with everyone around him and firmly instilled his love of music to all of his children and grandchildren which they will carry on and cherish forever. He had many accomplishments all throughout his life, but the role he enjoyed most was playing Santa Claus for the children stopping by his house the week before Christmas every year for the last 40+ years. The joy this brought him was immeasurable. We will miss him every day but we know he is now playing and singing with the Lord in heaven. The angels are surely rejoicing. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary Maude Babin Fruge', daughter Debbie Fruge'; daughter Teri Fruge' Huff, and her husband Pete; son, Dr. C. Farrell Fruge, Jr., and his wife Karen; son, Scott Fruge', and his wife Wendy; his grandchildren, Derek Dunbar, Kyle Huff, Kelli Huff, Scott Meade, Trey Fruge', Kasey Huff, Erica Fruge', Camille Fruge', Myles Doherty, Alex Fruge', and Harrison Fruge'; a sister, Pat Fruge' Ortego; and two brothers, Gerald Fruge', Sr., and Edwin Fruge'. Preceded in death by his parents, Hubert and Sybil Fruge', and his sister, Reba Fruge' Darce. Pallbearers will be Gerald Fruge' Sr, Edwin Fruge', Medric Stein, Jr., Steve Stein, Sr., Wayne Stein, and Ricky Stein Sr.Visitation will be at Rabenhorst East on Friday, January 15, 5-9 pm and Saturday, January 16, from 9:30-10 am at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, with the Mass at 10 a.m. conducted by Fr. Tom Duhe, on Saturday, January 16 at 10 am, followed by burial at Resthaven Gardens.