H.R. No. 147 R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, The passing of Manuel B. Garza, Jr., on January 26, 1-2 1995, at the age of 71, has brought a great loss to the many 1-3 friends and relatives of this distinguished and public-spirited 1-4 Texan; and 1-5 WHEREAS, A longtime resident of Edinburg, Mr. Garza will be 1-6 fondly remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, loyal 1-7 friend, and upstanding member of his community who demonstrated an 1-8 exemplary concern for the well-being of others; and 1-9 WHEREAS, Like many members of his generation, he was a 1-10 patriotic and dutiful man who came to the aid of his country during 1-11 World War II when he served in the United States Army; in 1-12 recognition of his valorous military service, he was decorated with 1-13 the European-African-Middle Eastern Ribbon and the World War II 1-14 Victory Medal; and 1-15 WHEREAS, Mr. Garza maintained an abiding commitment to serve 1-16 the public in civilian life as well, and as a father of four worked 1-17 tirelessly to enhance the educational opportunities of his 1-18 community; and 1-19 WHEREAS, Known as a positive role model by more than two 1-20 generations of South Texans, this esteemed individual served with 1-21 the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo school district for 27 years as a teacher 1-22 and truant officer; he also fulfilled the educational needs of many 1-23 parents through his outstanding tenure as director of the 1-24 district's Adult Basic Education Program; and 2-1 WHEREAS, A man of boundless energies, he also used his wealth 2-2 of expertise to address the educational needs of migrant workers 2-3 and was recognized for his exceptional efforts by USA Today, which 2-4 honored him as one of 10 leading educators in the country; and 2-5 WHEREAS, Mr. Garza was a man of great vision who devoted much 2-6 of his life to the betterment of his community, and though his 2-7 presence will be deeply missed, his spirit will surely live on in 2-8 the hearts and minds of the many people whose lives he touched; 2-9 now, therefore, be it 2-10 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 74th Texas 2-11 Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Manuel B. Garza, Jr., 2-12 and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his 2-13 beloved wife, Idolina Carrales Garza; to his son, Robert Lee Garza; 2-14 to his three daughters, Sylvia A. Gomez, Norma Linda Harrison, and 2-15 Luby Lamar Abijaovde; to his four brothers, Noe Garza, Abel Garza, 2-16 Baldemar Garza, and Luciano Garza; to his six grandchildren; and to 2-17 his many other friends and relatives; and, be it further 2-18 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-19 prepared for the members of his family, and that when the Texas 2-20 House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of 2-21 Manuel B. Garza, Jr.