On Frumencio
I mentioned I would have more on Frumencio Ryes, Jr. He left us a couple of weeks ago. Here is his obituary:
Frumencio Reyes, Jr.
03/07/1939 – 12/06/2023
Frumencio Reyes, Jr.,84, was born on March 7, 1939, and passed away on December 6, 2023, while surrounded by his loving family. Frumencio was survived by his wife of 66 years, Janie Reyes; daughters, A. Imelda Reyes-Castillo and her husband, Charlie and Donna L. Mendez and her husband, Paul. Frumencio came from a hard-working family and was taught at an early age the importance of an education by his mother. Frumencio met the love of his life, Janie Palomo, in high school at an early age of 18. The two were married and started their life together. With the support of his wife, Janie, hard work, and determination, Frumencio attended college and graduated from law school to become a very successful attorney in Houston. Frumencio was a community leader with a true understanding of the importance of Hispanic representation and local government. Frumencio worked tirelessly for the betterment of the Hispanic community, therefore helped many past and current elected officials. With a brilliant mind and love for the political arena, a true die-hard Democrat that was always true to the party. A Funeral Mass was celebrated on Friday, December 15, 2023, at The Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart and he was laid to rest in Historic Hollywood Cemetery.
Published by Houston Chronicle on Dec. 17, 2023.
I have known Frumencio for 50 years. He was Frume to those that knew him.
He left us three days before Election Day. I thought then that as we were fixing to vote for a mayor, controller, and seven members of the H-Town city council, the role Frume played in this election. He was part of the legal team for the plaintiffs that settled and created the current hybrid at-large – single member city council district system back in 1979.
In 1982, he made an unsuccessful run for state representative in the Democratic Party primary and lost by 13 votes. Yes, 13 votes.
He was a mentor to many young Latina and Latino politicos. His law office conference room on North Main, was the site of many Harris County Tejano Democrats meetings and candidate screenings.
He was a great Democrat. When running for local office, candidates sought him out for advice, guidance, and a coveted endorsement.
He was a legend in our community. A great leader. A force.
I appreciate all his contributions that help politically empower our community.
He will be missed.
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We lost my Tía Julia Campos yesterday morning. She was put into hospice care a couple of weeks ago. She was always there for our family and close to my Mom and Dad. She lived in Baytown. She was kind and generous. The featured photo is Tía Julia and my Dad at my Dad’s 99th birthday in August of 2022.
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Five days until Christmas Day.
