A full and generous life came to an end with the passing of Elias Longoria Sr. of Edinburg
who died on August 7th, 2006 at the age of 75. Elias Longoria Sr. was born on April 26th, 1931 in La Reforma. He graduated in 1950 from Edinburg High School where he excelled in both academics and athletics. He earned a scholarship to attend Pan American College and played as a third baseman for the baseball team before leaving school to serve his country. As a veteran of the Korean War he served as a member of the U.S. Navy from 1951 to 1955.
This esteemed Texan shared his time and talents with the Edinburg community as a member
of the school board for nearly a decade, including serving as the first Hispanic president. His tenure was characterized by his efforts to ensure fair hiring practices and he was instrumental in hiring the district's first Hispanic Superintendent. In addition he volunteered for more than 20 years as a coach for local youth baseball teams. After retiring from a distinguished career with the Southern Pacific Railroad, Mr. Longoria continued to fulfill his civic duty serving on the grievance committee of the Edinburg Housing Authority and as a member of the Hildalgo County Grand Jury. Moreover he was a faithful congregant of El Buen Pastor Methodist Church. A devoted husband and father Mr. Longoria shared nearly 50 years with his wife Maruca Garza. Their union was blessed with four children, Elias Longoria Jr., Luis Longoria, Letician Lankford, and Victor Longoria. Elias Longoria was a man known for his strong sense of responsibility and for his humility in the face of numerous accomplishments and he will be remembered with great affection by all those who held him dear.
Representative Aaron Pena has justly recognized Elias Longoria Sr. by authorizing this
resolution in his memory during the Regular Session of the 80th Texas Legislature that the House of Representatives of the 80th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Elias Longoria Sr. and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: To his wife, Maruca Longoria; to his children, Elias Longoria Jr. and his wife Laurie, Luis Longoria and his wife Noelia, Victora Longoria and his wife Kristy, and Leticia Lankford and her husband Gary; to his grandchildren Philip, Aaron, Julia, Jon Eli, Adam, Gram, Gray, Marco, Amanda, Chad, Isabella, and Abigail; to his sisters, Rosa Elena March, Elma Vela, and Lidia Gordon; and to his other relatives and many friends. An official copy of this resolution was prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Elias Longoria Sr.
