San Benito, TX. - Cleo Lavoy Beauford, 76, of San Benito, TX, passed away February 8, 2010 at Sunshine Haven in Olmito, TX. Cleo or as some knew him "Sonny" was a lifetime Peace Officer. He worked for San Benito, Port Isabel and South Padre Island and served as a Deputy for Cameron County until retirement. He was the 1st Chief of Police of South Padre Island and was instrumental in the original Neighborhood Crime Watch Program; he loved the world of Rodeo from the time of a young boy he always had a horse; he began as a Bull Rider and then went to be a Rodeo Clown and finally a Rodeo Judge; he was a member of the Tip of Tex Trail Rider Association for over 30 years and served as a Scout for the Trial Rider where he always love to ride in the back of the riders. He was known for his sense of humor and always had a story to tell. He is preceded in death by her parents, Benjamin Russell and Ethel Beauford; 2 sisters, Virginia Baker and Jo Ellen Beauford. Cleo is survived by his loving wife, Mildred Pauline Beauford of San Benito; a son, Russell "Rusty"(Sara) Beauford; a granddaughter, Anita Michelle "Shelley" Beauford both of Laguna Vista; a niece, Kathy (Richard) Montemayor of Harlingen; and a grand nephew, James Grayson. He leaves behind family and friends to cherish and remember a lot of good times. A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. today, Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at Thomae-Garza Funeral Home in San Benito with Pastor David Mann officiating. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Tip of Tex Trail Riders Association, P.O. Box 265, Harlingen, TX 78551 Words of comfort can be sent the family of Cleo Lavoy Beauford to www.thomaegarza.com Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care of Thomae-Garza Funeral Home, 395 S. Sam Houston, San Benito, Texas 399-1331