[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 45 (Thursday, March 15, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E565-E566]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          JUDGE ELISEO B. VEGA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. SOLOMON P. ORTIZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 15, 2007

  Mr. ORTIZ. Madam Speaker, the nation--and South Texas--lost a 
valuable patriot today with the passing of longtime Port Isabel 
municipal judge and community leader Eliseo B. Vega. Known 
affectionately as ``Cheo,'' Judge Vega died following a lengthy 
illness.
  Judge Vega was an extraordinary caring and hardworking man. He was a 
familiar face in the Port Isabel area and was a political powerhouse. 
Despite his several setbacks due to illness, when most would think that 
he couldn't pull through, the man just kept going and wouldn't miss 
working. He was a man of great faith and loved life fully. He loved 
life so much he didn't want a sad funeral, so we will celebrate his 
life this week.
  His life touched so many people. Judge Vega was best known for his 
role as judge in the municipal court system. His lengthy judicial 
career, beginning in 1971, spanned generations. He was what you wanted 
a judge to be: fair and even-handed. He understood people, he 
understood justice, and he stood at the intersection of both.
  Prior to his legal and judicial career, the Judge was a banker and 
also served in a law

[[Page E566]]

firm. He was the senior vice president of Merchants Marine Bank in Port 
Isabel for two decades, and as a public relations liaison for 
Linebarger Goggan Blair and Sampson, LLP Law Office . . . explaining 
the law long before he took the bench.
  Judge Vega was also an educator. The Point Isabel Independent School 
(PIISD) District Junior High School complex bears his name to honor his 
role for his 33 years (1969-2001) as a PIISD school board trustee. He 
was also a trustee for the South Texas Independent School District 
since Feb. 2005.
  He had also been inducted into the Rio Grande Valley Walk of Fame in 
February 2005 and the Point Isabel Independent School District Hall of 
Fame in 2002.
  As a civic leader, Vega served as an officer or member of many 
economic, education, and public service organizations including: the 
Port Isabel/South Padre Island Chamber of Commerce, Port Isabel Urban 
Development Board, Texas Association of School Boards, National 
Association of School Boards, Salvation Army Service Unit, Port Isabel 
Jaycees, Port Isabel Volunteer Fire Department and the Port Isabel/
South Padre Island Lions Club. He was also a lifetime member of Our 
Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church.
  Judge Vega was married to Olga Medina Vega, who was his boss for 40 
years, and the love of his life. The couple had six children and ten 
grandchildren. The children are: Joe Eliseo, Albert, Nelda, Armando, 
0lgaisela, and Arlene.
  Madam Speaker, Members of the House, I ask you to join me in 
expressing our condolences to Judge Vega's family--and the larger South 
Texas family--who lost a giant of a man in Judge Vega.

                          ____________________