SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 409

In Memory

of

Henry González

WHEREAS, The citizens of Brownsville lost an esteemed community leader with the passing of former mayor Enrique C. González on March 24, 2023, at the age of 87; and

WHEREAS, The son of Maria and Emilio González, Henry González was born in San Benito on November 29, 1935, and he grew up with the companionship of seven siblings, Reynaldo, Gloria, Maria, Delia, Emiliano, Carlos, and Carmen; in his youth, he learned the value of hard work through part-time jobs on his family's farm; he graduated in 1954 from Saint Joseph Academy, where he played on the football and basketball teams, and he went on to earn a degree in business marketing from the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas in 1958; he was a member of the Corps of Cadets in the C-Field Artillery outfit during his years in College Station; and

WHEREAS, Mr. González worked in the cotton industry and traveled across the U.S. before joining the Brownsville Independent School District in 1962; over the course of his 13-year tenure, he served as an educator and later as the district's director of transportation and supplies; he became a trustee on the school board in 1975, and his achievements in that role included serving as president, securing passage of bond proposals, and guiding the construction of new schools; he later embarked on a rewarding career with the Oyster Bar restaurant, and he played an instrumental role in managing its Rio Grande Valley expansion as well as its location on Paredes Line Road; and

WHEREAS, In the early 1990s, Mr. González returned to public office, first winning election as a Brownsville city commissioner and later as mayor, serving in each role for five years; under his able leadership, the city acquired a new city hall facility, completed construction of the Veterans International Bridge at Los Tomates, and established a Sister City relationship with Matamoros; he also guided Brownsville through a period of economic growth, and he played an instrumental role in promoting the Make a Difference Day community cleanup initiative; and

WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Mr. González benefited from the love and support of his wife, Mary Lou, with whom he shared a fulfilling marriage that spanned 65 years; he took great pride in his children, Henry, Cissie, Lettie, Magda, and Justo, and over the years, his treasured family grew to include six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; throughout his life, he found strength in his Catholic faith; and

WHEREAS, A devoted family man, a hard-working public servant, and an accomplished business leader, Henry González lived a rich and purposeful life, and he leaves behind a record of service that his loved ones can remember with pride; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the memory of Enrique C. González and extend heartfelt sympathy to all who mourn his passing; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Henry González.

LaMantia

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on April 13, 2023, by a rising vote.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate