82S10368 MMS-D
By: Guillen H.R. No. 84
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The community of Rio Grande City lost one of its most
admired residents with the passing of Lino Perez, Jr., on October
23, 2008, at the age of 94; and
WHEREAS, Descended from several Starr County pioneer
families, Mr. Perez was born to Lino Perez, Sr., and Cristina Margo
in Rio Grande City on September 19, 1914; his grandfather Ruperto
Margo and his uncle Idelfonso Hinojosa were prominent Starr County
ranchers, while his father served as both mayor and postmaster of
Rio Grande City; and
WHEREAS, Lino Perez, Jr., attended Rio Grande City High
School, where he helped to organize the school's first football
team; he served as captain and quarterback of the 1931 team, which
went undefeated and unscored upon; after graduating in 1931, he
continued his studies at Brownsville High School and then at Austin
High School in Austin, graduating as valedictorian of the AHS Class
of 1933; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Perez had hoped to enroll at The University of
Texas, but his help was needed at home, and he returned to Rio
Grande City to assist his father with the running of the post
office; his work there was interrupted during World War II, when he
answered his country's call to duty and joined the United States
Army; and
WHEREAS, Lino Perez succeeded his father as postmaster in
1957, and he continued to hold that position until stepping down in
1975, after 41 years' total service; during his tenure as
postmaster, he oversaw the upgrading of the Rio Grande City post
office, the initiation of city mail delivery and of rural delivery
to the whole of the county, and the expansion of the post office
staff from 4 to 15 employees; and
WHEREAS, After his retirement from the postal service,
Mr. Perez owned and operated El Bremo Ranch in La Gloria until 1989;
he also continued to serve the public, winning election to several
terms as a member of the Starr County Memorial Hospital Board of
Directors; and
WHEREAS, A man of deep faith, Mr. Perez gave generously of his
time and talents to the Knights of Columbus, which he joined in
1935; in addition to his extensive involvement in his local
council, he held a number of statewide offices and led the Texas
organization as state deputy from 1971 to 1973; he was also a
charter member of El Cid Caravan No. 106 of the International Order
of Alhambra and the caravan's first Grand Commander; moreover, he
belonged to the Dine and Dance Club, Rotary Club, Disabled American
Veterans, and American Legion; and
WHEREAS, Lino Perez married the love of his life, Dora Garza,
on March 1, 1937, and the couple enjoyed a rewarding union until his
passing; over the years, they became the proud parents of a
daughter, Rebecca, and three sons, Lino, Ricardo, and Carlos, and
they rejoiced as their family grew to include grandchildren and
great-grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Held in high esteem throughout his community, Lino
Perez could take pride in a long record of constructive endeavor,
and those who were privileged to share in the warmth of his love and
affection will forever hold him close in their hearts; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas
Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby join the family of Lino
Perez, Jr., in paying tribute to the life of this esteemed Texan;
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 Lino
Perez, Jr.