Rafael Hinojosa Jr.

Rafael Hinojosa, Jr. was born on December 15, 1933 in Hebbronville, Texas, and passed away on January 24, 2016 at the age of 82 in Lago Vista, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents Rafael Hinojosa and Maria Gorena Hinojosa. He is survived by his wife Maria Adela Hinojosa , sons Rafael (Sonny) (Evie), John (Denise), Rick (Xann), Michael (Megan) and daughters Veronica (Angelina), and Loretta (Russell), several grandchildren and great-grand children.

Rafael graduated from Hebbronville High School in 1951. He attended Laredo Jr. College and received an A&A Certificate in 1953. He served in the Air Force from May 6, 1954 until February 3, 1958 when he was honorably discharged with the rank of staff sergeant. He attended the University of Texas in Austin and graduated in 1960 with a BS in Physical Education.He later attended Texas A&I in Kingsville, Texas where he obtained a Master of Science degree in Education.

He taught and coached at St. Edwards High School in Austin, St. Ann’s School in Midland, Christ The King High School in Lubbock, Greenhill School in Dallas, West Oso ISD in Corpus Christi, Hebbronville High School, and Point Isabel ISD in Port Isabel. While at West Oso ISD, he was principal at Carl Allen Elementary School from 1972 to 1974. He was the last principal at Molina Jr. High and the first principal at West Oso Jr. High School. The board of trustees changed the name from Molina Jr. High to West Oso Jr. High in 1977.

Rafael was mayor of Laguna Vista, Texas, for three consecutive terms from 1989 until 1995. During his tenure as mayor, he, and with the tireless effort of the individuals on the board of aldermen, were able to obtain block grants from the state of Texas. They knocked on every door in Laguna Vista and were able to qualify all of the streets with the exception of Beach Blvd. These grants monies are sent to the Village of Laguna Vista automatically on a yearly basis and are used for improvement of the Village. Such projects as the pavement of the streets, the new Fire Hall, the library and the improvement and beautification of the park have taken place.

When Mr. Hinojosa was president of the Point Isabel Lions club, he initiated the high school all-star game in the Rio Grande Valley in 1997, and the first all-star game was played in Port Isabel Tarpon stadium. The Point Isabel Lions club sponsored the first 6 all-star games. He relinquished the Rio Grande Valley all-star game to the Rio Grande Coaches Association in 2003, and they still sponsor the all-star game on a yearly basis.

Rafael was a loving husband, father, and friend, and he was an avid golfer and loved to watch his Longhorns play. He touched many lives throughout his journey in life. He will be missed.

The pallbearers will be Rafael (Sonny) Hinojosa III, John Hinojosa, Rick Hinojosa, Michael Hinojosa, David Lorenzo Castro and Hector Hinojosa.

To share you memories and condolences with Rafael Hinojosa's family, please visit www.cookwaldenchapelofthehills.com