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.