H.R. No. 1261
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The citizens of Starr County have lost a highly
respected member of the legal community with the passing of Horacio
Paul Guerra III on December 27, 2013, at the age of 81; and
WHEREAS, Born to Horace P. Guerra, Jr., and Rebeca H. Guerra
in Rio Grande City, H. P. Guerra graduated from Rio Grande City High
School in 1950; he answered his nation's call to duty and spent two
years in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, reaching the rank of
lieutenant colonel; he continued his service as a member of the U.S.
Army Reserve for 20 years; after his return to civilian life, Mr.
Guerra attended St. Mary's University and earned his bachelor's and
law degrees in 1955; he later obtained his doctor of jurisprudence
degree in 1966; and
WHEREAS, Admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court
and the U.S. Court of Military Appeals, this distinguished legal
professional held membership in the State Bar of Texas for more than
half a century and spent over three decades practicing law in Rio
Grande City; Mr. Guerra demonstrated a strong work ethic throughout
his time in Rio Grande City, and he often put in long hours while
serving a number of clients on a pro bono basis; moreover, he acted
as legal counsel for the Starr County Appraisal District for
several years; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Guerra was also employed in the banking
industry, and he held various management positions at a number of
financial institutions in Rio Grande City, San Antonio, and
McAllen; in 1970, he was appointed to the Finance Commission of
Texas for a six-year term by Governor Preston Smith; and
WHEREAS, Committed to supporting his hometown, Mr. Guerra
shared his time with numerous worthwhile organizations over the
years; he was a charter member of the local chapter of Rotary
International, a member of El Cid Caravan No. 106 of the
International Order of Alhambra, and a past Grand Knight of the De
Saules Council of the Knights of Columbus No. 2595; in addition, he
served as president of the Rio Grande City Jaycees and as an
honorary member of the Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico Jaycee Club,
and he further contributed to the U.S. Jaycees as an ambassador to
El Salvador and to Central and South America; he was also a
parishioner at Immaculate Conception Church; and
WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Mr. Guerra enjoyed the love
and support of his wife, Josie, and the couple were blessed with
three children and eight grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, A man of integrity who believed in working hard and
in treating everyone with respect, H. P. Guerra contributed greatly
to the Rio Grande City community, and he leaves behind a record of
service that his loved ones can remember with pride; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Horacio Paul Guerra
III and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his
wife, Josie Guerra; to his children, Horacio P. Guerra IV and his
wife, Monica, Liliana G. Ortega and her husband, Hector, and Jorge
Luis Guerra and his wife, Ximena; to his grandchildren, Anthony,
Justin, and Brandon Ortega and Theresa, Isabel, Mattias, Isabella,
and Horacio Guerra; to his siblings, Hector F. Guerra, Richard L.
Guerra, and Rosa Marie G. Rodriguez; 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 Horacio
Paul Guerra III.
Guillen
Guerra
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 1261 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the House on March 26, 2015.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House