89R9630 BK-D
By: Lopez of Cameron H.R. No. 56
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Residents of San Benito lost an admired civic leader
with the passing of José García Gonzalez on July 23, 2024, at the
age of 73; and
WHEREAS, Joe G. Gonzalez was born on September 14, 1950, to
Eliseo Gonzalez and Josefina García, and he grew up with the
companionship of a younger sister, Margot; he went on to serve in
the Texas National Guard and Army Reserve for 12 years, achieving
the rank of sergeant and distinguishing himself as a member of the
Support Company, 3rd Battalion, 141st Infantry Regiment; and
WHEREAS, For three decades, Mr. Gonzalez was employed as a
social worker with the Texas Department of Health and Human
Services; he assisted countless Texans through his service in
programs providing food assistance for those in need and help for
the elderly and people with disabilities; he retired in 2002; and
WHEREAS, Outside of his professional life, Mr. Gonzalez
contributed generously to his community; he took immense pride in
his 16 years as a member of the San Benito Consolidated Independent
School District Board of Trustees, which he served as president,
vice president, secretary, and committee chair; he played an
influential role in guiding the growth and development of the
district, and he was a strong advocate for teachers and staff, as
well as a proponent for sound fiscal management; his commitment to
San Benito students was further demonstrated through his founding
of the Jessica Beth García Memorial Scholarship Fund, which
provides financial aid to deserving San Benito High School track
athletes; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his involvement in San Benito public
schools, Mr. Gonzalez volunteered as a youth football and baseball
coach, as well as the head coach of the "Joe's Misfits" men's
softball team; passionate about music, he found time to perform as
the lead vocalist for the Tejano group La Distancia, with whom he
released several albums; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Gonzalez's greatest joy was spending time with
his family, which included his wife of 50 years, Maria Elena, and
children, José Adrian, Yesenia, Hilario, and Cecilia, as well as
his 18 grandchildren and his great-grandson; and
WHEREAS, Joe Gonzalez was a man who gave freely of his time
and talents in behalf of others, and those who were fortunate enough
to know him will forever treasure their memories of his enthusiasm
for life, his strength of character, and his love of family and
community; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of José García
Gonzalez and that deepest sympathy be extended to his loved ones;
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 Joe
Gonzalez.