[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 172 (Thursday, November 19, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2817]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING JUDGE SOLOMON CASSEB, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CHARLES A. GONZALEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 19, 2009

  Mr. GONZALEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak of sad tidings. 
The south Texas legal community lost a great leader and a great friend 
on October 16, 2009, when Judge Solomon Casseb, Jr. passed away at the 
age of 94.
  A native San Antonian, Judge Casseb graduated from Central Catholic 
High School and St. Mary's University before earning his law degree at 
the University of Texas Law School in 1938. After several years in 
private practice, he enlisted as a private in the United States Army 
Air Corps during World War II, and was honorably discharged as a Major 
by the time he returned from overseas. He then practiced law until his 
appointment and two subsequent elections to serve as a Judge of the 
57th District Court in Bexar County. He presided over many important 
cases during his career, though none may be more famous than 1984's 
Texaco case, which resulted in what was the largest award of damages in 
history.
  During his time on the bench, Judge Casseb was repeatedly honored by 
his colleagues in the legal community time and again as an outstanding 
jurist, and the endowed Judge Solomon Casseb Jr. Research Professorship 
in Law at the University of Texas Law School stands as a tribute to the 
esteem in which he was held.
  Before and after he obtained senior status in 1985, Judge Casseb 
worked to improve the lives of the people of South Texas outside of his 
official duties as well. He was a co-trustee of the Lamar Bruni Vergara 
Trust and was a bold and diligent advocate for the poorest citizens of 
his community.
  Solomon Casseb Jr. was a great judge, a great friend, and a great 
man. His family, friends, and all those who had the privilege to know 
him will miss him deeply.

                          ____________________