Final Goodbyes for a Beloved Texas Lawmaker

Hundreds of politicians and supporters, some in suits and others in jeans, filed into a cathedral Saturday to mourn former Rep. Henry B. Gonzalez, who spent 37 years in Congress as a champion of the underdog.

Mourners applauded one last time as pallbearers bore his coffin into San Fernando Cathedral. A military color guard stood watch as hundreds filed past the open coffin throughout the morning.

“I just can’t ever remember a time when Henry B. wasn’t around,” said mourner Katie Otten.

Gonzalez, a Democrat and a former chairman of the House Banking Committee who retired in 1998, died Tuesday after a long illness. He was 84.

“So many hearts were touched. So many dreams were forged because of Henry Gonzalez,” said Henry G. Cisneros, a former San Antonio mayor who served as housing secretary in the Clinton administration.

“He loved the battle and he relished the victories, but he also knew there was also always more to be done,” said Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy (D-R.I.).

The requiem Mass, held in the cathedral where Gonzalez was baptized, reflected his humble beginnings and the Mexican American community that nurtured him. The liturgy was in English and Spanish, and a mariachi choir performed.

Gonzalez was born in 1916 to Mexican immigrants. He got a law degree, won a seat on the San Antonio City Council and later became the first Mexican American elected to the Texas Senate. He was elected to Congress in 1961.

He was popular in San Antonio for his fights for affordable housing and as a defender of the downtrodden.

After he decided not to seek reelection, his son Charlie defeated six other candidates for the Democratic nomination for his father’s seat and then won the 1998 general election. He was reelected last month without opposition.