2025S0066-2 02/05/25
By: Zaffirini S.R. No. 67
SENATE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and
commemorates the memory of Jose Maria Longoria Sr., a
distinguished leader whose lifelong dedication to public service
has left a lasting impact on Starr County and beyond; and
WHEREAS, Born June 20, 1906, Jose Maria Longoria was
reared in the small town of La Grulla, and he attended La Grulla
School before transferring to San Diego High School in Duval
County, where he graduated as salutatorian of his class; he also
graduated with honors from the Texas College of Arts and
Industries and soon after began teaching Spanish there, and in
1949, he went on to earn a law degree from La Salle Extension
University; and
WHEREAS, Answering the call of duty, Mr. Longoria enlisted
in the United States Armed Forces during World War II and became
an Army instructor in 1944, and upon his return home, he taught in
public schools before pursuing many other professional
endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Longoria held roles as an editor for the
Starr County Democrat and as the owner and manager of Valley
Distributing Company for more than 35 years; his notable
dedication to public service was evidenced by his election as
Starr County Commissioner, a position he held from 1949 to 1972,
and by his service as an interim county judge in Starr County; as
a county official, he welcomed President Dwight D. Eisenhower and
Mexican President Adolfo Ruiz Cortines to Starr County for the
dedication of Falcon Dam in 1953; and
WHEREAS, A tireless advocate for education, he served as a
school board member and successfully persuaded oil companies to
pay their fair share of taxes, which resulted in the funding and
construction of two much-needed schools; and
WHEREAS, His many contributions were recognized with
prestigious accolades as well as in numerous publications, and he
was honored for his work as a member of the International
Platform Association and the National Historical Society; and
WHEREAS, Through his military service, his leadership in
local government, and his commitment to public education, Mr.
Longoria made a profound and enduring impact in his community and
state, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations
who follow in his footsteps; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th
Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the memory of Jose Maria
Longoria Sr.; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
his family and that when the legislature adjourns this day, it do
so in memory of Jose Maria Longoria Sr.