HR934 - In memory of Joe Vera III, assistant city manager for McAllen.

      H.R. No. 934       R E S O L U T I O N          WHEREAS, A life made rich through meaningful service drew to   a close with the passing of McAllen assistant city manager Joe Vera   III on April 16, 2025, at the age of 69; and          WHEREAS, The son of Joe Vera Jr. and Gloria Vera, Joe Vera was   born in Pharr, where he grew up with the companionship of two   sisters, Joann and Linda; he developed a strong work ethic from an   early age, and his leadership abilities earned him the rank of Eagle   Scout; and          WHEREAS, Mr. Vera enjoyed a long and rewarding career in   public service; as the assistant city manager for the City of   McAllen for nearly 11 years, he spearheaded the creation and   expansion of such landmark events as the award-winning McAllen   Holiday Parade, the South Pole Illuminated Festival, and the   McAllen Marathon; prior to that role, he worked for the City of   Hidalgo, helping to launch Borderfest, overseeing the development   of the Dodge Arena, now known as the Payne Arena, and securing   historic retail and economic initiatives; in addition, he was the   world board chair of the International Festivals & Events   Association, and his accomplishments earned him numerous   accolades, including induction into the IFEA Hall of Fame and the   Texas Festivals & Events Association Hall of Honor; and          WHEREAS, Active in his community, Mr. Vera was involved in   United Way, the Lions Club, and 4-H; a man of faith, he was a   congregant of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Hidalgo for more than   four decades; and          WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Mr. Vera benefited from the   love and support of his wife, Alma, and he was the proud father of   two children, Trisha and Homer; over the years, their cherished   family grew to include two grandchildren, Ryan and Reena; and          WHEREAS, Joe Vera was a man of great compassion who found joy   and inspiration in helping others, and he leaves behind a legacy of   good works that will long resonate throughout Hidalgo County and   beyond; now, therefore, be it          RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas   Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Joe Vera III and   extend sincere condolences to the members of his family: to his   wife, Alma Vera; to his children, Trisha Garza and Homer Garza and   his wife, Sonya; to his grandchildren, Ryan and Reena; to his   sisters, Joann Watts and her husband, George, and Linda Casas; 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 Joe Vera.     Muñoz     ______________________________   Speaker of the House                 I certify that H.R. No. 934 was unanimously adopted by a   rising vote of the House on May 23, 2025.     ______________________________   Chief Clerk of the House