By Gallego                                             H.R. No. 879
       74R9915 BNL-D
                                  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.