TITLE: In memory of José "Joe G." García Gonzalez of San Benito.

SUMMARY: In memory of José "Joe G." García Gonzalez of San Benito.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Residents of San Benito lost an admired civic leader with the passing of Jos  Garc a Gonzalez on July 23, 2024, at the age of 73; and WHEREAS, Joe G. Gonzalez was born on September 14, 1950, to Eliseo Gonzalez and Josefina Garc a, and he grew up with the companionship of a younger sister, Margot; he went on to serve in the Texas National Guard and Army Reserve for 12 years, achieving the rank of sergeant and distinguishing himself as a member of the Support Company, 3rd Battalion, 141st Infantry Regiment; and WHEREAS, For three decades, Mr. Gonzalez was employed as a social worker with the Texas Department of Health and Human Services; he assisted countless Texans through his service in programs providing food assistance for those in need and help for the elderly and people with disabilities; he retired in 2002; and WHEREAS, Outside of his professional life, Mr. Gonzalez contributed generously to his community; he took immense pride in his 16 years as a member of the San Benito Consolidated Independent School District Board of Trustees, which he served as president, vice president, secretary, and committee chair; he played an influential role in guiding the growth and development of the district, and he was a strong advocate for teachers and staff, as well as a proponent for sound fiscal management; his commitment to San Benito students was further demonstrated through his founding of the Jessica Beth Garc a Memorial Scholarship Fund, which provides financial aid to deserving San Benito High School track athletes; and WHEREAS, In addition to his involvement in San Benito public schools, Mr. Gonzalez volunteered as a youth football and baseball coach, as well as the head coach of the "Joe's Misfits" men's softball team; passionate about music, he found time to perform as the lead vocalist for the Tejano group La Distancia, with whom he released several albums; and WHEREAS, Mr. Gonzalez's greatest joy was spending time with his family, which included his wife of 50 years, Maria Elena, and children, Jos  Adrian, Yesenia, Hilario, and Cecilia, as well as his 18 grandchildren and his great-grandson; and WHEREAS, Joe Gonzalez was a man who gave freely of his time and talents in behalf of others, and those who were fortunate enough to know him will forever treasure their memories of his enthusiasm for life, his strength of character, and his love of family and community; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Jos  Garc a Gonzalez and that deepest sympathy be extended to his loved ones; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Joe Gonzalez. Lopez of Cameron Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 56 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on March 6, 2025. Chief Clerk of the House