[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 162 (Thursday, November 14, 2013)]
[House]
[Page H7063]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  TRIBUTE TO LEONEL J. CASTILLO: EDUCATOR, CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVIST, AND 
                    HOUSTON'S FIRST HISPANIC ELECTED

  (Ms. JACKSON LEE asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute.)
  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Speaker, over this last weekend, we celebrated 
the life of Leonel J. Castillo: educator, civil rights activist, and 
Houston's first Hispanic elected official, but--a truely--wonderful and 
deserving and outstanding American.
  I rise today to pay tribute to Leonel J. Castillo, a legendary 
pioneer figure in the history of Houston and, as I said, the first 
Hispanic elected to public office in Houston. He died on November 4, 
2013.
  But this weekend, we had a chance to be with his family and to 
celebrate his life, to name a neighborhood center after him, to hear 
the testimonies regarding his passion and his love of bringing people 
together, and to hear about his love for his family.
  He was inspired by President John F. Kennedy and joined the Peace 
Corps, where he met his wonderful, beautiful wife, Evelyn, and had two 
children: a daughter, Avalyn, and a son, Efrem. He met his wife in the 
Philippines. And we know today that we are praying for all of them in 
the Philippines.
  Leonel, of course, in 1967, moved his family back to Houston. We are 
so delighted. He served as the director of SER-Jobs for Progress. In 
1971, he was elected comptroller of the city of Houston. When nominated 
for INS Commissioner President Carter said:

       ``He is a man who has the highest possible reputation. He 
     is a public administrator, and I think I can tell you that he 
     is going to take on one of the most difficult jobs in 
     government.''

  Mr. Castillo, a great American succeeded in that job and all that he 
did.
  We thank you, Leonel Castillo, as you served the United States 
Government and all of America well. May you rest in peace.

                          ____________________