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