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
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on April 13, 2023, by a
rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate