1-1                                     1                                  
 1-2                          SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 735
 1-3                                  In Memory
 1-4                                     of
 1-5                        The Honorable Renato Cuellar
 1-6           WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins
 1-7     citizens throughout Texas in mourning the loss of one of
 1-8     the Lower Rio Grande Valley's most esteemed and well-loved
 1-9     citizens, Renato Cuellar, who died April 5, 2001, at the age
1-10     of 73; and
1-11           WHEREAS, During his distinguished five terms in the
1-12     House of Representatives the highly respected member from
1-13     Weslaco established a praiseworthy record of public service,
1-14     and his keen insight and directness will be greatly missed by
1-15     the people of the Valley and this state; and
1-16           WHEREAS, Holding office from 1987 to 1997,
1-17     Representative Cuellar ably served the needs of his constituents
1-18     with hard work and dedication and earned high marks from his
1-19     colleagues in the house for his tireless efforts and adherence
1-20     to principles; and
1-21           WHEREAS, Born and raised in Weslaco, the lifelong Democrat
 2-1     had firsthand knowledge of the Valley's inequities and authored
 2-2     such key legislative proposals as protection of workers' rights,
 2-3     funding for The University of Texas-Pan American, and bringing
 2-4     Regional Academic Health Centers to the Valley, this quiet yet
 2-5     very effective legislator greatly influenced the future of the
 2-6     Lower Rio Grande Valley; and
 2-7           WHEREAS, His steadfast allegiance to the values espoused by
 2-8     his constituents earned this highly esteemed Texan a reputation
 2-9     for uncompromising integrity in his pursuit of rights for all
2-10     Texans during his tenure as a state representative; and
2-11           WHEREAS, Widely known and well respected as a man of high
2-12     moral principles, Renato Cuellar was asked in 1997 to fill the
2-13     unexpired term of Hidalgo County Judge; this political pioneer
2-14     for Mexican-Americans in Hidalgo County brought honesty and
2-15     integrity back to the controversial position; and
2-16           WHEREAS, Throughout his notable political career, former
2-17     State Representative and County Judge Renato Cuellar displayed
2-18     exceptional courage, leadership, and selflessness; his service to
2-19     Weslaco, the Valley, and the State of Texas reflects his deep
2-20     devotion to those ideals he held dear; now, therefore, be it
2-21           RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
2-22     77th Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the
2-23     bereaved family of Renato Cuellar:  his beloved wife, Maria Elena;
2-24     his children, Geraldine, Nancy, Renato, Shirley, Robert, Arthur,
 3-1     and Edna; and his 19 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren;
 3-2     and, be it further
 3-3           RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for the
 3-4     members of the family as an expression of deepest sympathy from
 3-5     the Texas Senate, and that when the Senate adjourns this day it
 3-6     do so in memory of former State Representative Renato Cuellar.
 3-7                                                                Lucio   
 3-8                                                                Gallegos
 3-9                                  ______________________________________
3-10                                         President of the Senate
3-11                                       I hereby certify that the above
3-12                                  Resolution was adopted by the Senate
3-13                                  on April 18, 2001, by a rising vote.
3-14                                  ______________________________________
3-15                                         Secretary of the Senate
3-16                                  ______________________________________
3-17                                           Member, Texas Senate
3-18                                  ______________________________________
3-19                                           Member, Texas Senate