H.R. No. 312
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The life of an esteemed World War II veteran drew to
a close with the passing of Audon Sanchez Cardenas of San Antonio on
January 31, 2025, at the age of 105; and
WHEREAS, A first-generation American, Odón Cardenas was born
to Donaciano and Cecilia Cardenas in Devine on July 30, 1919, and he
grew up with six siblings, Damiana, Dionicio, Erasmo, Guadalupe,
Ernesto, and Sophia; and
WHEREAS, Answering his nation's call to duty, Mr. Cardenas
enlisted in the U.S. Army during World War II; following his
promotions to staff sergeant and squad leader, he was deployed with
his battalion to the European Theater in 1944; he was captured by
German forces and held as a prisoner of war before being liberated
in the Battle of the Bulge; in recognition of the great resilience
and bravery he demonstrated during his service and captivity, he
was awarded the American Defense Service Medal and the
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, and on August 13,
2019, he was honored as the Veteran of the Day in VA News by the U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs; after the war, he was a longtime
barber at Lackland Air Force Base, and he became certified in auto
mechanics; and
WHEREAS, Deeply dedicated to his family, his faith, and his
country, Odón Cardenas earned the lasting respect and admiration of
all who were privileged to know him; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Audon Sanchez
Cardenas and extend heartfelt condolences to the members of his
family: to his sister, Sophia Sauceda; to his children, Cecilia C.
Gutierrez, Rachel C. Luna, Arthur V. Cardenas and his wife, Lydia,
Raul V. Cardenas and his wife, Doris, Dolores Kotilaidze and her
husband, Demna, and MaryAnn Ayala and her husband, Daniel; to his 22
grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, and 11
great-great-grandchildren; 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 Odón
Cardenas.
Lujan
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 312 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the House on March 6, 2025.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House