Hector Yznaga

Longtime Brownsville attorney Hector Yznaga died Thursday, Nov. 4, 2010 in Brownsville. Mr. Yznaga was born on July 19, 1925 in San Antonio to Manuel Aniceto and Aurora Rios Yznaga. His family, which includes older sisters Delia and Evita, eventually moved to Brownville in 1935. All three children attended and graduated from the public school system in Brownsville.
Hector joined the U.S. Navy in February 1943 at age 17. After boot camp and special training in the Navys amphibian branch, he participated in the DDay landings on Omaha beach above an LCT. After his tour in France and England, and a 30day leave, he was reassigned for further amphibian training including sextant navigation in Chesapeake Bay for service on LSM6. This extended tour carried through the south and western Pacific, ending in Japan. He was discharged honorably with the designation of Seaman First Class in 1946.
After World War II, Hector worked in the flight watch department for the local office of Pan American Airways. He enrolled at Texas Southmost College where he and other WWII veterans created and participated in the golf team and competed with other junior colleges in the conference. Thereafter, he transferred his credits to the University of Texas at Austin. There he earned a bachelor of arts degree in history with a concentration in literature. He earned his law degree from the university in the summer of 1954.
He married Amelia Rocha Yznaga on Dec. 10, 1959, in Brownsville, Texas, where they continued to make their home and raised their four children. Their children attended public and private schools in Brownsville.
Hector practiced law in Brownsville for more than 50 years. He began his practice with Paul Cunningham Sr., T. Gilbert Sharpe, and Reynaldo Garza, until Mr. Garza was appointed Federal District Judge in 1963. Since that time, he practiced independently. Additionally, Hector worked in public service. He was elected twice to the Brownsville Independent School District board of trustees 19671971, and served as its president from 19691971. He served as president of the Cameron County Bar Association from 197374. He was appointed to the prestigious statewide board of the Texas Civil Judicial Council in by Gov. John Connally in 1967.
Hector was also known for his generosity and his hospitality. He, along with his brotherinlaw, Alberto Perez, Sr., were among the founders the Apostles Club, a social supper club that was hosted once a month by the 12 founding members of that organization. Over 40 years, the organization grew into one of the most soughtafter invitations in Brownsville. In addition, throughout their more than 50 years of marriage, he and his wife Amelia were known and respected for their energy, generosity and hospitality in the community.
Hector was predeceased by both parents and his sister, Dr. Eva Yznaga Seger of Victoria, Texas. In addition to his wife Amelia, he is survived by his children: Amelia Patricia David of San AntonioNew Braunfels, Jose Cheto Aniceto of Austin, Daniel Andres Selma of Brownsville, Alicia Virginia of Austin his sister, Delia Yznaga Perez six grandchildren Patrick Hector King, Alejandro David King, Emma Jacqueline Yznaga, Daniel Andres Yznaga II, Olivia Virginia Young, Julia English Young and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held Sunday November 7, 2010 from 49 p.m. with the recitation of the holy rosary at 7:30 p.m. at DarlingMouser Funeral Home East Chapel. Mass of Christian Resurrection will be held at 3:00 p.m. Monday November 8, 2010 at St. Joseph Catholic Church . Interment will to Buena Vista Burial Park. Military Honors will be conducted by the American Legion Post 43 Honor Guard.
His nephews will serve as pallbearers: Alberto Perez, Jr., Eduardo Gabriel Perez, David Arturo Perez, Matthew Forrest Seger, Jr., Dr. Bernard Manuel Seger, and Vincent Henry Seger.

Visitation

DarlingMouser Funeral Home
945 Palm Blvd.
Brownsville, TX  78520
Sunday, November 7, 2010
49 p.m.

Service

Rosary

DarlingMouser Funeral Home
945 Palm Blvd.
Brownsville, TX  78520
Sunday, November 7, 2010
7:30 p.m.

Mass of Christian Resurrection

St. Joseph Catholic Church
555 W. St Francis
Brownsville, TX  78520
Monday, November 8, 2010
3:00 p.m.

Cemetery

Buena Vista Burial Park
5 McDavitt Blvd.
Brownsville, TX  78521