TITLE: In memory of John A. Pope III of Rio Grande City.

SUMMARY: In memory of John A. Pope III of Rio Grande City.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, A life of professional achievement and dedicated public service drew to a close with the passing of John A. Pope III of Rio Grande City on June 9, 2017, at the age of 86; and WHEREAS, The son of John A. Pope Jr. and Raquel Valle Pope, John Pope was born on June 9, 1931, in Rio Grande City, and he grew up with the companionship of a sister, Dollie, and a brother, Bill; after graduating from St. Joseph's Academy in Laredo, he went on to earn his bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University and his law degree from St. Mary's University School of Law; he also answered his nation's call to duty by serving in the U.S. Army and Army Reserve; and WHEREAS, In 1955, Mr. Pope went into private practice alongside his father, and he later worked as a partner at Atlas & Hall; over the course of his distinguished law career, he held a number of public offices as well; he was elected as Starr County attorney in 1969, and in 1995, Governor George W. Bush appointed him judge of the 381st Judicial District, a post he held for more than a decade; furthermore, he was named first assistant district attorney of the 229th Judicial District in 2013; and WHEREAS, In addition to fulfilling his professional duties, Mr. Pope gave back to his community as a member of the Rio Grande City school board, the Knights of Columbus, the Lions Club, and the Rio Grande City Rotary Club; a man of deep faith, he was also a longtime member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Rio Grande City; and WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Mr. Pope enjoyed the love and support of his wife, Ana, and he was the proud father of a daughter, Mayela Teresa Pope, and a son, John A. Pope IV; and WHEREAS, Although the loss of this esteemed public servant is difficult to bear, John Pope leaves behind a legacy of dedication to his family, his faith, and his fellow citizens that remains to comfort and inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the memory of John A. Pope III and extend heartfelt sympathy to his relatives and friends; 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 John Pope. Guillen Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 28 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on August 15, 2017. Chief Clerk of the House