November 11, 1977 – January 13, 2013 In Loving Memory.
Gulf Shores, AL

Benjamin DeVan “De” Hargett, born November 11, 1977, a native of Mobile and resident of Gulf Shores, died unexpectedly at home Sunday, January 13, 2013.

He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Derwood Mitchell Hargett, Sr., J. D. Roberds; grandmother, Shirley Roberds.

Ben will be greatly missed by his wife, Leticia (Letty); son, Ethan; mother, Shirley (Sissy Louise) and stepfather, Byrd Lee Moore III; his father, Benjamin (Christina) Hargett and his stepmother, Jane Tucker (Charlie Mixon) ; his grandmother, Cornelia DeVan Hargett; sisters, Cydney (Michael) Byck, Alice (Glenn) Torres, Roxanne Moore, Jennifer (Teddy Joe, Jr.) Faust, Louisa Jane (James) Irvine, Chelsea (Chris) Francis and Christina (Robbie) Bracewell; as well as, brothers, Gabriel Hargett and Byrd Lee Moore IV; and many other extended family members and friends.

Ben attended Bayside Academy as a child, and Fairhope High School. He received his B.S. in Anthropology and Planetary Sciences from the University of New Mexico in Santa Fe. He travelled widely to Central and South America and Europe, and was intensely interested in the cultural aspects of cuisine. In between travels he was mentored by Emeril LaGasse in New Orleans, and Mark Miller of the Coyote Cafe in Santa Fe. In 2008 Ben co-authored the definitive cookbook Tacos, which was reviewed by The New York Times. In 2010 he returned to his Alabama home and invested his passion for cooking into his first restaurant, Bravo Tacos in Orange Beach. Ben was a man of terrific spirit, energy and optimism. He brought the same excitement and spice to life that he brought to the various cuisines he mastered. To Ben, good food was a way of bringing family and friends together, marking occasions and making everyone feel included and happy. His gift to us was great food served up with joy, caring, and love.

He will be greatly missed, however his spirit will preside at our tables for many meals to come. He inspired only goodness and love in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.

There will be a Celebration of Life service on Saturday, January 19, 2013 at 11 am, at Dauphin Way United Methodist Church in Mobile. The family will receive friends at Dauphin Way Methodist-McGowin Hall on Friday, January 18th from 3-5 pm.

In lieu of flowers, Ben would have liked donations to go to charities that feed the hungry. The family suggests Dauphin Way United Methodist Society of St. Stephen Food Pantry, 1507 Dauphin St., Mobile, 36604, or to 15 Place Mobile. Notes of condolence may be expressed at hughesfh.com.

Funeral arrangements are by Hughes Funeral Home and Crematory, 7951 American Way, Daphne, AL.