SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 125


In Memory

of

Juan Morales Solar

	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the citizens 
of Houston in mourning the loss of Juan Morales "John" Solar, who 
died April 17, 2006, at the age of 82; and
	WHEREAS, John was born to Juan Solar, Sr., and
Maria Zapopan Morales on September 26, 1923, in Monclova, 
Coahuila, Mexico; his family immigrated to the United States soon 
after his birth to escape the political and economic aftermath of 
the Mexican Revolution; they settled in Magnolia Park near 
Houston, in what is now one of the oldest Latino neighborhoods in 
the city; and
	WHEREAS, He attended Lorenzo de Zavala Elementary School, 
and he sold newspapers and shined shoes to supplement his 
family's income; he became the head of his household at the age of 
14, and he soon began a 35-year career with the United States 
Merchant Marine; and
	WHEREAS, During World War II, a German submarine torpedoed 
his ship, and it sank off the coast of Trinidad and Tobago; he 
survived being adrift at sea, but suffered serious injury; John 
refused surgery and recovered through his own determination; he 
was awarded the Mariner's Medal, among other recognitions, for 
his service and the wounds he suffered in World War II; and
	WHEREAS, John married Lucy Ybarra in 1945, and the devoted 
couple raised seven children, Cynthia Rodriguez, Lydia Sobhi, 
Michael Solar, Laura Solar, Joseph Solar, Julie Vega, and
Tina Maben; his children and grandchildren were a source of much 
pride and joy in his life; and
	WHEREAS, John was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, 
and brother, and he leaves behind memories that will be treasured 
forever by his family and many friends; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
79th Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby extend sincere 
condolences to the bereaved family and many friends of
Juan Morales Solar; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for 
his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the 
Texas Senate, and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do 
so in memory of Juan Morales Solar.
                                                                           Ellis




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on May 2, 2006, by a 
rising vote.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate