SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 805

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the citizens of Weslaco in mourning the loss of Gilberto S. Pena, who died March 25, 2007, at the age of 71; and

WHEREAS, Gilberto Pena was born and raised in Weslaco and graduated from Weslaco High School; he joined the Texas Army National Guard in 1954 and retired with the rank of colonel in 1996; his military career included serving with the 49th Army Division during the Berlin Crisis in 1961 and he served as the coordinating head trainer for United States soldiers during the Honduras and Nicaragua crisis in 1985; and

WHEREAS, During his 42 years of military service, he received numerous decorations and awards, including the Meritorious Service Medal, the Texas Medal of Merit, and the Lone Star Distinguished Service Medal; he will be raised to the rank of brigadier general posthumously; and

WHEREAS, During his business career with the New York Life Insurance Company from 1964 until his retirement in 2004, he earned recognition as a recipient of the million-dollar round table and served on the board of directors for the New York Life Councils; and

WHEREAS, A longtime civic leader, Gilberto Pena served on the Planning and Zoning Commission of Weslaco from 1968 to 1976 and he also served as president of the Rotary Club, as a city commissioner, and as mayor pro tempore; and

WHEREAS, He was on the Knapp Medical Center Foundation Board of Directors, the Hidalgo County Appraisal Board, and the Mid Valley Medical Investment Board of Directors; he was named Outstanding Citizen of Weslaco in 2001; and

WHEREAS, He was married to his beloved wife, Teresa Gonzalez Pena, from 1956 until her death in 1999; a devoted father and grandfather, 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, 80th Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Gilberto S. Pena: his children, Jeanie Brown, Susie Sanders, Gilbert Pena, Jr., and Marco Pena; his brothers and sisters, Dora Cavazos, Rolando Pena, Felipe Pena, Carlos Pena, Porfirio "Pilo" Pena, Jaime Pena, Roberto Pena, Rosa Marquez, Estella Pena, and Jorge Pena; and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; 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 Gilberto S. Pena. Lucio

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on April 23, 2007, by a rising vote.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate