H.R. No. 778



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The certain knowledge of a life well lived may 
temper the profound sadness that the passing of the Honorable 
Horacio Sabas Ramirez of Hebbronville, on March 6, 2005, brings to 
all who loved this respected civic leader; and
	WHEREAS, Born on December 5, 1922, Judge Ramirez was raised 
in his hometown of Hebbronville, a city forever changed by the 
countless contributions of a single man; and
	WHEREAS, A distinguished alumnus of Hebbronville High 
School, he was accepted at St. Mary's University in San Antonio; 
before he could finish his education, however, he chose to answer 
his country's call to arms after the events at Pearl Harbor; and
	WHEREAS, He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force, and his 
heroic efforts as a tail gunner in the 444th Squadron, 320th 
Bombardment Group, earned him a host of honors, including the U.S. 
Air Force Air Medal, the EAME Campaign Medal, and the prestigious 
Croix de Guerre avec Palme; and
	WHEREAS, Returning to the Lone Star State after his 
discharge, Judge Ramirez resumed his studies at St. Mary's 
University, ultimately receiving his undergraduate degree and 
attending St. Mary's Law School; and
	WHEREAS, This esteemed Texan worked with the U.S. Department 
of Agriculture and as his county's veterans service officer before 
joining the Texas Department of Public Welfare; committed to the 
health and well-being of all Hebbronville residents, he became 
active in civic affairs and worked to improve the town's sewer and 
water drainage difficulties; and
	WHEREAS, His efforts expedited the establishment of the 
county's second water control and improvement district, and he 
became the first elected president of its board; he ably presided 
over the group during its formative years and helped to bring 
necessary changes to the town's infrastructure; and
	WHEREAS, Judge Ramirez went on to serve as the Jim Hogg county 
and district clerk and as county auditor before beginning his 
illustrious service as county judge in 1987; as the highest elected 
official in the county, he earned the respect and admiration of his 
community, keeping the budget balanced and working for the 
continued paving and drainage of local streets, rehabilitation of 
homes for the needy, improvements to the sewage and wastewater 
systems, and development of a recycling plant, nursing home, senior 
citizen services center, area food bank, recreation hall, and new 
INS facility; and
	WHEREAS, Above all else, Judge Ramirez dedicated himself to 
his beloved wife, Angiolina, and children; blessed with a marriage 
that spanned more than half a century and six cherished sons and 
daughters, he was supported in all of his endeavors by his 
close-knit family; and
	WHEREAS, Horacio Ramirez built a brighter future for the 
community he was proud to call home, and though his special presence 
will be deeply missed, his memory will long endure; now, therefore, 
be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature hereby honor the life of Horacio Sabas Ramirez and 
extend deepest sympathy to the members of his family: to his wife, 
Angiolina; to his sister, Amelia R. Canales; to his children, 
Horacio R. Ramirez and his wife, Evangelina, Irma Leticia Ramirez, 
Margo R. Keyes and her husband, Jim, R. Ricardo Ramirez and his 
wife, Carmen, Roberto D. Ramirez, and Marissa Anchia and her 
husband, State Representative Rafael Anchia; to his nine 
grandchildren; and to his other relatives and many 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 the 
Honorable Horacio Sabas Ramirez.

                                                                          Anchia


                                                  ______________________________
                                                       Speaker of the House     

	I certify that H.R. No. 778 was unanimously adopted by a 
rising vote of the House on March 31, 2005.

                                                  ______________________________
                                                     Chief Clerk of the House