79R2732 JTR-D

By:  Gonzales                                                   H.C.R. No. 41 



CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
	WHEREAS, The community of McAllen lost a respected leader on 
December 12, 2004, when Judge Fidencio M. Guerra, Sr., passed away 
at the age of 95, but this dedicated public servant's contributions 
to his fellow Texans will resonate for many years to come; and
	WHEREAS, Born on August 6, 1909, in Jim Hogg County, Judge 
Guerra was five years old when he moved with his family to McAllen; 
and
	WHEREAS, Judge Guerra graduated from McAllen High School and 
The University of Texas at Austin before receiving his law license 
in 1940, and the following year he met and married his wife, Estela 
Margo, who would remain his constant companion until her death in 
1999;  with her, he raised seven children, including the late Diana 
Guerra; and
	WHEREAS, During World War II, Judge Guerra served his country 
as an officer of the State Department, and his postings included 
Bogota, Colombia, and Madrid, Spain; and
	WHEREAS, After returning to McAllen, he served as a justice 
of the peace before being appointed an assistant attorney general 
for the State of Texas and then as presiding judge of the 139th 
District Court in Edinburg, becoming one of the first Hispanics in 
the state judiciary, and he would continue to serve as judge for the 
next 26 years; and
	WHEREAS, A vital and valued member of the community, Judge 
Guerra was an active participant in numerous civic organizations, 
including the Knights of Columbus, the Order of the Alhambra, and 
the McAllen Rotary Club, and he also drew great strength and 
sustenance from his fellow worshipers at Our Lady of Sorrows 
Catholic Church; and
	WHEREAS, Though his fellow South Texans are saddened at Judge 
Guerra's passing, they can also derive great inspiration from what 
was clearly a life well lived; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the 79th Legislature of the State of Texas 
hereby pay tribute to the memory of Judge Fidencio M. Guerra, Sr., 
and extend sincere sympathy to his children and their spouses, 
Robert Guerra, Carlos and Susie Guerra, Fidencio Guerra, Jr., and 
Mary Lou Love, Brenda Guerra Brooke and Bennett Brooke, Judy Guerra 
Arnold, and Dr. Daniel J. Guerra; to his sister-in-law, Sister 
Marian Frances Margo; to his grandchildren and his 
great-grandchildren; and to his other relatives and many friends 
and colleagues; 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 and Senate adjourn this day, they do so in memory of 
the Honorable Fidencio M. Guerra, Sr.