TITLE: In memory of Jose Maria Longoria Sr.

SUMMARY: In memory of Jose Maria Longoria Sr.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and commemorates the memory of Jose Maria Longoria Sr., a distinguished leader whose lifelong dedication to public service has left a lasting impact on Starr County and beyond; and WHEREAS, Born June 20, 1906, Jose Maria Longoria was reared in the small town of La Grulla, and he attended La Grulla School before transferring to San Diego High School in Duval County, where he graduated as salutatorian of his class; he also graduated with honors from the Texas College of Arts and Industries and soon after began teaching Spanish there, and in 1949, he went on to earn a law degree from La Salle Extension University; and WHEREAS, Answering the call of duty, Mr. Longoria enlisted in the United States Armed Forces during World War II and became an Army instructor in 1944, and upon his return home, he taught in public schools before pursuing many other professional endeavors; and WHEREAS, Mr. Longoria held roles as an editor for the Starr County Democrat and as the owner and manager of Valley Distributing Company for more than 35 years; his notable dedication to public service was evidenced by his election as Starr County Commissioner, a position he held from 1949 to 1972, and by his service as an interim county judge in Starr County; as a county official, he welcomed President Dwight D. Eisenhower and Mexican President Adolfo Ruiz Cortines to Starr County for the dedication of Falcon Dam in 1953; and WHEREAS, A tireless advocate for education, he served as a school board member and successfully persuaded oil companies to pay their fair share of taxes, which resulted in the funding and construction of two much-needed schools; and WHEREAS, His many contributions were recognized with prestigious accolades as well as in numerous publications, and he was honored for his work as a member of the International Platform Association and the National Historical Society; and WHEREAS, Through his military service, his leadership in local government, and his commitment to public education, Mr. Longoria made a profound and enduring impact in his community and state, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations who follow in his footsteps; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the memory of Jose Maria Longoria Sr.; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for his family and that when the legislature adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Jose Maria Longoria Sr. Zaffirini President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 11, 2025, by a rising vote.