79S31100 MDM-D

By:  McClendon                                                    H.R. No. 301



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The family and friends of Joseph J. Pedraza of San 
Antonio have been deeply saddened by his passing on January 27, 
2006, at the age of 92; and
	WHEREAS, A native of the Alamo City, Joe Pedraza was born on 
August 19, 1913, to Grace and Joseph J. Pedraza; when Mr. Pedraza 
was 11 years old, his father became the first San Antonio police 
officer to be killed in the line of duty, and the young boy showed a 
maturity beyond his years in supporting his mother, four sisters, 
and brother; and
	WHEREAS, Mr. Pedraza played baseball for one of the first 
semiprofessional teams in San Antonio and later proudly served his 
country as a member of the U.S. Army during World War II; and
	WHEREAS, A food broker for more than six decades, Mr. Pedraza 
worked for C. H. Ketchum and Company, Kirkwood and Company, 
Saldania Garza, and Luke Soules, and became known as the "Bean Man" 
at restaurants and major stores throughout the nation; widely 
respected for his integrity and expertise, he continued to work 
part time until the age of 87; and
	WHEREAS, Joe Pedraza shared his time and resources with the 
congregation at St. Gerard's Catholic Church for nearly half a 
century, serving as an usher and assisting with the church's annual 
festival; and
	WHEREAS, Mr. Pedraza contributed to his community through a 
lifetime of purposeful endeavor, and he leaves behind a legacy to 
treasure for those who held him dear; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the life of 
Joseph J. Pedraza and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his 
family: to his devoted wife of 62 years, Mary Pedraza; to his sons, 
Joseph E. "Jody" Pedraza and Michael A. "Mykal" Pedraza; to his 
grandchildren, Chance, Monique, and Casey; to his sisters, Irene 
Fletcher, Annie Price, and Grace Huslage; and to his other 
relatives and friends; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of 
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Joseph J. 
Pedraza.