SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 316

In Memory

of

Francisco Javier Montemayor Sr.

WHEREAS, Residents of Laredo lost a dedicated civic leader and cherished friend with the passing of Francisco Javier Montemayor Sr. on July 4, 2008, at the age of 63; and

WHEREAS, A native of Laredo, Javier Montemayor attended local public schools before earning a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University--Kingsville and a master's degree from Texas A&M International University; answering his nation's call to duty, he was commissioned a lieutenant in the United States Army in 1968, and served a two-year tour during the Vietnam conflict; at the time of his retirement from the armed forces, he held the rank of lieutenant colonel; and

WHEREAS, In the 1970s, Mr. Montemayor worked for the Laredo Independent School District as a Reserve Officers' Training Corps drill instructor and as a counselor at the veterans affairs office, assisting area veterans in pursuit of higher-education opportunities; and

WHEREAS, After he graduated from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University in 1982, Mr. Montemayor went to work as an assistant district attorney for Webb and Zapata Counties and later as an associate municipal court judge for the City of Laredo; in 1986, he was appointed by the Webb County Commissioners Court to establish the Webb County public defenders office, which he launched in 1988; a tireless advocate for those who could not afford legal counsel, Mr. Montemayor motivated his staff to follow his example, and the county agency grew considerably under his skilled leadership; highly respected in the legal community, Mr. Montemayor directed the public defenders office until he retired in 2005 to enter private practice; through the years, he maintained professional affiliations with the Laredo-Webb County Bar Association, the State Bar of Texas, and the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association; and

WHEREAS, This esteemed Texan was an avid hunter and horseman who loved spending time on his ranch, and he took great pleasure in entertaining his friends and family by singing and playing the guitar; held in deep affection for his generous spirit and readiness to extend a helping hand to others, he also contributed to numerous organizations, including the American Legion, the League of United Latin American Citizens, and the Washington's Birthday Celebration Association; and

WHEREAS, Javier Montemayor believed in protecting the rights of the underrepresented and less privileged members of his community, and he leaves behind a legacy of public service that will continue to inspire all those who were fortunate enough to know him; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 81st Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the life of Francisco Javier Montemayor Sr. and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his wife of more than 40 years, Catalina Montemayor; to his sons, Javier, Tony, and Marco Montemayor; to his grandchildren, Jennifer, Valerie, Tony, Mia, Alexandra, and Marco; and to his other relatives and many friends; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Francisco Javier Montemayor Sr.

Zaffirini

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 25, 2009, by a rising vote.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate