88R5823 AMB-D
By: Guillen H.R. No. 2535
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, A life dedicated to public service has drawn to a
close with the death of former Jim Hogg County Sheriff Gilberto
Saldaña Ybañez on August 27, 2022, at the age of 85; and
WHEREAS, A lifelong resident of Hebbronville, Gilberto
Ybañez was born to Esperanza and Jesus Ybañez on June 4, 1937, and
he grew up with four siblings, Jesus, Baldemar, Palmira, and Juan;
he was a member of the Hebbronville High School football team, and
he went on to serve his nation in the U.S. Army and Army Reserve; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Ybañez was certified as a peace officer at
Laredo Junior College in 1972, and in 1980, he was elected sheriff
of Jim Hogg County; affectionately known as "El Sherife," he held
the position for 20 years, serving his community with dedication
and integrity; a leader in his profession, he was elected in 1995 as
the first Hispanic president of the Sheriffs' Association of Texas,
and from 1985 to 1986, he also served as president of the Coastal
Bend Peace Officers Association; and
WHEREAS, Sheriff Ybañez further contributed to his community
as a longtime supporter of the programs and activities of the Jim
Hogg County Independent School District, particularly the D.A.R.E.
and P.A.L. initiatives; moreover, he was a former president of the
Lions Club and a member of the American Legion; and
WHEREAS, A devoted father and grandfather, a dedicated public
servant, and a proud son of Hebbronville, Gilberto Ybañez 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 House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Gilberto Saldaña
Ybañez and extend sincere condolences to the members of his family:
to his sons, Ricardo G. Ybañez and his wife, Estela, and Roberto
F. Ybañez; to his granddaughters, Alicia A. Ybañez and Dominique
D. Ybañez; to the mother of his children, Alicia L. Garcia, and her
husband, Hector; to his brother, Juan Joel Ybañez, and his wife,
Nilda; to his nephews and nieces, Jesse, Johnny, Ivan, and Melissa
Ybañez and Hope Kelley; and to his many 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 Gilberto
Saldaña Ybañez.