Manuel Nunez, AGIF Pioneer Dies in Fort Stockton, Texas
AGIF Report: FORT STOCKTON, TX – AGIF Report: FORT STOCKTON, TX – Mr. Manuel Nunez; a long time American GI Forum (AGIF) of Texas member passed away April 2, 2014 he was 94. Mr. Nunez, founder of the Ft. Stockton GI Forum Chapter dedicated his life to family, church and the American GI Forum. He helped and served as part of the NVOP network in Ft. Stockton when the program first started.
A WWII veteran, his devotion to family and church was only matched by his dedication to his fellow veterans. He was a respected citizen and community leader in Ft Stockton and responsible for many years for raising funds for scholarships and helping those in need on behalf of the AGIF. The Annual AGIF Golf Tournament in Ft. Stockton was named in his honor. He and his chapter, to raise funds for young men and women to continue their education, started this annual event. His peers at the Austin State Convention honored him with a Lifetime of Achievement Award in June 2010.
During the 75th Legislature of the State of Texas, then State Representative Pete Gallego from Texas HD74 introduced H.C.R. No. 68 and was adopted by the House on February 11, 1997, by a non‑record vote honoring Mr. Nunez.
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Manuel R. Nunez has devoted much of his life to assisting and serving the residents of Fort Stockton, and his remarkable dedication will be rewarded on February 15, 1997, when St. Joseph Park is renamed in his honor; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Nunez’s contributions to the Fort Stockton community have had a positive effect on many of this fine city’s residents; whether working through his church, the chamber of commerce, or the local chapter of the American G.I. Forum, this esteemed gentleman has made a difference in the lives of a great many people; and
WHEREAS, A longtime member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Mr. Nunez is in charge of this institution’s numerous charitable endeavors, including its food bank and thrift store; during one particularly trying period that found the church without a pastor, this exceptional man was appointed as the parish’s acting administrator, and in 1980 he was justly recognized as St. Joseph’s “Person of the Year”; and
WHEREAS, In 1986, the Fort Stockton Chamber of Commerce named Mr. Nunez its “Outstanding Citizen” for his commitment to the community; he has been involved with the chamber for many years and has capably served on its board of directors and as second vice president of the executive board; and
WHEREAS, A World War II veteran, Mr. Nunez was one of the first residents of Pecos County to accept his country’s call to arms, and today he assists fellow veterans in applying for their Veteran’s Administration benefits; in addition, this selfless Texan has acted as the services and rehabilitation chairman for the local branch of the American Cancer Society for many years; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Nunez’s service to Fort Stockton extends into the area of education as well, and his terms as president of the Butz School Parent Teacher Association and as program chairman of the Assist, Instruct, Direct and Educate (AIDE) program were highly successful; in addition, as the first chairman of the Pecos County Community Action Agency’s board of directors, Mr. Nunez has done much to protect and increase the benefits of low income families; and
WHEREAS, Manuel R. Nunez has earned the respect and admiration of his fellow citizens for his tireless efforts to improve the lives of those in need, and his enthusiasm in these endeavors is truly deserving of special legislative recognition; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 75th Legislature of the State of Texas hereby honor Manuel R. Nunez for his manyyears of service to the city of Fort Stockton and extend to him sincere best wishes for continued success and happiness in the years to come; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mr. Nunez as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives and Senate.
Texas State Representative Pete Gallego
On behalf of the American GI Forum of Texas Board and families and his many close friends in the AGIF Family, throughout the State, in this time of bereavement and with deepest sympathy we offer condolence to his family and close friends in Ft. Stockton. Our State office, members of the Board and others will be attending the services, and we ask others, specially those of you who knew to remember him, to keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers.