H.R. No. 879 R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, The many friends and relatives of Carlos Cortes, 1-2 Sr., were deeply saddened by the passing of this distinguished 1-3 gentleman on August 6, 1993; and 1-4 WHEREAS, A longtime resident of Del Rio, Mr. Cortes worked 1-5 for several different enterprises throughout his life; he opened 1-6 Cortes Grocery, located in front of the International Bridge, in 1-7 1941, and established West Texas Auto Accessories in 1954; and 1-8 WHEREAS, He later entered into a partnership with his son, 1-9 Carlos Cortes, Jr., to open a service station business, and his son 1-10 assumed control of the family business interests when Mr. Cortes 1-11 retired in 1972; and 1-12 WHEREAS, This energetic and public-spirited individual had no 1-13 intention of enjoying a leisurely retirement, and in 1976 1-14 Mr. Cortes was elected to the position of constable, becoming the 1-15 first Mexican-American constable in Val Verde County; and 1-16 WHEREAS, When he took office, he purchased not only his own 1-17 uniforms and equipment but a patrol car as well, and for the next 1-18 16 years he served his fellow citizens with honor and integrity; as 1-19 a result of his persistent efforts, an office was established for 1-20 the county constables, and Mr. Cortes is credited with raising 1-21 public awareness and appreciation of the vital role these officials 1-22 play in the local law enforcement community; and 1-23 WHEREAS, His dedication to duty was exceeded only by his 1-24 enthusiasm and warmth, and his colleagues and friends delighted in 2-1 hearing the colorful stories about his life, which included his 2-2 firsthand recollections of the Mexican Revolution; and 2-3 WHEREAS, A positive and encouraging role model to all who 2-4 knew him, Carlos Cortes, Sr., left an indelible mark both on the 2-5 Del Rio community and on the lives of all who knew him; as a 2-6 businessman, as a constable, and as a citizen, this extraordinary 2-7 gentleman shared his generosity and kindness with countless others, 2-8 and he is fondly remembered as someone who truly made the world 2-9 around him a better place; 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 Carlos Cortes, Sr., 2-12 and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his 2-13 wife, Flora A. Cortes; to his son, Carlos Cortes, Jr.; to his 2-14 grandchildren, Carlos Leonel, Ricardo, Bertha, Mario, Elizabeth, 2-15 Gerard, George, and Cesar; to his 18 great-grandchildren; to his 2-16 two great-great-grandchildren; and to all the relatives and many 2-17 friends of this beloved gentleman; 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 Carlos Cortes, Sr.