Oscar Carrillo

Oscar Carrillo, Sr., 81, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 21, 2003 following a long illness.Carrillo, a longtime figure in Duval County politics and a U.S. Army Veteran, was born on November 22, 1921 in Hebbronville, Texas to David Carrillo "D.C." Chapa and Emma Pena Carrillo. Carrillo was a 1939 graduate of Benavides High School. A retired rancher and farmer Carrillo served three terms as State Representative for the 48th District from 1967 to 1973 and was the youngest mayor at age 21 to serve the city of Benavides. Carrillo is best remembered for his role in convincing Texas Legislators to approve the Connally-Carrillo Act that allowed thousands of South Texas students to attend college and area universities. The bill provided transportation and educational opportunities. Carrillo is also credited with co-authoring legislation creating the University of Texas at San Antonio. In the late 60's, the University of Texas at San Antonio conferred on him the degrees of Doctor of Political Science and Doctor of Laws. Carrillo in his later years tended to the family business and politics, but he always remained a devoted family man. His political life included service not only in Duval County but also to residents in Starr, Zavala, Brooks, Live Oak, Jim Wells, Jim Hogg, and other South Texas counties.In a recent magazine article, Texas Monthly Magazine chose him as one of the Top 10 Most Powerful Political Figures. Carrillo was preceded in death by his parents, David Carrillo "D.C." Chapa and Emma Pena Carrillo; two granddaughters, Kristan Kircher and Laura Benavides; one grandson, David Carrillo and one brother, O.P. Carrillo.Survivors include his three sons: David Homero (Palmira) Carrillo of Benavides, Texas, Oscar Rene (Vilma) Carrillo of Hebbronville, Texas, and Roberto M. (Teresa) Carrillo of Benavides, Texas; seven daughters: Diana C. (Chacho) Flores of Sejita, Texas, Ludivina C. Benavides of Benavides, Texas, Adriana C. (Stan) Terry of Benavides, Texas, Rebecca A. Carrillo of Benavides, Texas, Evangelina (Kent) Kircher of Benavides, Texas, Lucinda (Gilbert Gonzales) Carrillo of Benavides and Maria Theresa Carrillo of Benavides, Texas; one brother, Ramiro D. (Alma) Carrillo, Sr. of Benavides, Texas; two brothers-in-law, Hector O. (Olivia) Garcia of Benavides, Texas; Carlos H. (Omedee) Garcia of San Diego, Texas; three sisters: Celia C. Valerio of Benavides, Texas, Elma (Julian F.) Stockwell of Benavides, Texas, and Emma C. (Juan Enrique) Gavito of Brownsville, Texas; one sister-in-law, Maria Antonietta (Florencio, Jr.) Garza of Benavides, Texas; 32 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. A Rosary will be held at 7:00 P.M. on Friday, January 24, 2003 at Mauro P. Garcia Chapel in Benavides, Texas. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, January 25, 2003 at Santa Rosa De Lima Catholic Church with Father Epifanio Rodriguez officiating. Burial will follow at the Benavides Cemetery in Benavides, Texas.