H.R. No. 1614
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Memories of a life filled with joyful times and
meaningful accomplishments may comfort the family and friends of
Benigno "Benny" Layton of Elsa, who passed away on March 26, 2011,
at the age of 60; and
WHEREAS, A native of Port Lavaca, Benny was one of five
children born to Pablo and Santos Layton; by the age of six, he was
already playing the accordion and performing alongside his brothers
at birthday parties, baptisms, and other events, and this passion
for music would continue throughout his life; and
WHEREAS, Benny graduated from Edcouch-Elsa High School in
1969 and then enrolled at The University of Texas--Pan American,
but he interrupted his studies in 1970 to enlist in the United
States Army; he began his career in the Edcouch-Elsa Independent
School District in 1981 as an elementary school music teacher, and
two years later he became the founder and director of the
Estudiantina program, which focuses on the cultural aspects of
music from the Rio Grande Valley; students in his program have
performed at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, BorderFest, and
various events at The University of Texas--Pan American, as well as
for the Al Gore presidential campaign; and
WHEREAS, An innovative educator, Benny created the only
approved curriculum in Texas for teaching conjunto, and he was
inducted into the Texas Conjunto Music Hall of Fame in San Benito in
2008; he began serving as the public address announcer for the
Edcouch-Elsa High School football team, the Yellowjackets, in 1987
and became known as "La Voz of La Maquina Amarilla" for his
dedication to the team, the school, and the greater community; and
WHEREAS, After retiring from Edcouch-Elsa ISD in 2009, Benny
went on to work for the Roland Corporation, which manufactures and
distributes electronic musical instruments; in addition, he served
as an Elsa municipal court judge; and
WHEREAS, In all of his endeavors, Benny enjoyed the love and
support of his wife, Irma, and he took great pride in his family,
which included four children and seven grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, More than 1,500 people gathered to honor Benny at
his memorial service, a true testament to the many lives that this
beloved Texan forever enriched with his love of music, his
commitment to young people, and his devotion to his community; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Benigno "Benny"
Layton and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to
his wife, Irma Vera Layton; to his children, Janice Layton
Rodriguez and her husband, Israel, Benigno Layton, Jr., and his
wife, Esther, Paul Anthony Layton, Sr., and Armando Rene Layton; to
his mother, Santos Villarreal Layton; to his brothers, Antonio and
Rene Layton; to his sister, Norfilia Layton Gonzalez; to his
grandchildren, Benigno Layton III, Robert Aaron Layton, Ayleen
Celest Rodriguez, Israel Rodriguez, Jr., Joleen Jaselle Rodriguez,
Paul Anthony Layton, Jr., and Leilani Mikayla Layton; and to his
other relatives and 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 Benny
Layton.
Pena
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 1614 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the House on May 12, 2011.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House