Liborio Efrain Hinojosa

The former businessman and civic leader was born on March 12, 1937 in Edcouch, Texas to Marina Medina and Salvador Hinojosa. Hardworking and humble, Libo began working at his father’s company, H&H Meat Packing Company, at a very young age, going into work before and after school and around his extra-curricular activities. After graduating from Mercedes High School in 1956, he assumed larger roles and responsibilities that would eventually grow the business to be one of the largest Hispanic owned companies in the country. The family owned business provided jobs to several hundred people in the Mid Valley and put meat on tables across the state of Texas.

Public service was always important to him, and his civic contributions and participation were extensive. He held positions on the Mercedes School Board, served on the Mercedes City Commission, and was Mayor in the early seventies. He worked hard to make a difference, not just for the citizens of Mercedes, but for the Rio Grande Valley and Texas. He served on many other educational, agriculture, and Hispanic boards and initiatives on a federal, state, and local level, and interacted with everyone from dignitaries and CEOs to farm workers.

Libo is preceded in death by his son, Marcos Manuel Hinojosa; parents, Marina Medina and Salvador Hinojosa, Sr.; sister, Gloria Ochoa; brothers, Salvador Hinojosa, Jr., Oscar Hinojosa, and Jaime Hinojosa. Liborio is survived by his wife of 62 years, Josepha Cadena Hinojosa; children, Liborio (Rube) Hinojosa, Jr.; Debi Hinojosa (Romeo) Ruelas; Carlos (Chris) Hinojosa; Marilena Hinojosa; Liza Hinojosa (Adolfo) Campero; daughter in law, Belinda Hinojosa; sixteen grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind two sisters, Blanca Jones and Hilda Gorena; three brothers, Ruben Hinojosa, Rene Hinojosa, and Carlos Hinojosa; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The family would like to thank DHR Health/Hospice and Dr. James Castillo and his team for their care in his final days. Libo will be missed by many for his tireless and tenacious personality and roll up his sleeves and get it done attitude. The family is very appreciative of your thoughts and prayers at this time.

A private service was held for his immediate family on February 26th at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church in Pharr, with burial at Highland Memorial Park in Weslaco. Libo enjoyed being outdoors, hunting and fishing, and always thought fondly of his days participating in FFA. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Mercedes High School FFA program. All contributions should reference Liborio Hinojosa and can be made payable to: Mercedes High School FFA, Account #2191-14, 1200 S Florida, Mercedes, TX 78570.