The Honorable René O. Oliveira

BROWNSVILLE, TX. – The Honorable René O. Oliveira, 68, our beloved father, grandfather, son, brother, cousin, and friend, entered into the glory of his eternal rest on Tuesday, the 23rd of January 2024. 

René was born and raised in Brownsville, Texas before attending The University of Texas at Austin, where he graduated both as an undergraduate and from The University of Texas School of Law. After graduating from law school, René returned to Brownsville where he practiced law for the remainder of his life, becoming known as a skilled litigator, a talented trial lawyer, and an effective mediator. 

In addition to his legal practice, René served in the Texas Legislature as a State Representative for over thirty years, becoming one of the longest tenured members of the House of Representatives and serving as the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, the Economic Development Committee, and the Business and Industry Committee. His accomplishments as a State Representative were many, and they include helping to bring SpaceX to the Rio Grande Valley, helping to establish The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, and working to bring the UTRGV medical school to South Texas. He was also awarded the title Champion for Children for his many years of advocating for education, including teachers and counselors, and the well-being of children not just in the Rio Grande Valley but all over the State of Texas. He was instrumental in fighting for tougher child support collection laws to ensure the children of the State of Texas were taken care of. He dedicated nearly all his adult life to serving his community, and he never tired of doing so. 

René’s personal life was anchored by his deep faith and his unwavering devotion to family. A regular attendee of the Catholic Church, he found strength and solace in his faith. He was a loving father of two children with Katherine Oliveira – his son, René Jr. and his daughter, Adrienne Marie. His love and pride for his children was boundless, and he loved being a grandfather and spoiling his granddaughter for the last seven and a half years. To her, he was simply grandpa, and they loved each other dearly. He was known to be an avid fan of the Cowboys, Spurs, Longhorns, and Astros, and he cherished family gatherings - he always enjoyed getting together with family to barbecue and watch a game. He also loved the outdoors, whether it be fishing or enjoying the beach at South Padre Island. 

Left behind to eternally treasure their memories of him are his son, René Oliveira, Jr. (Heidy); his daughter, Adrienne Palmer (Sean); his granddaughter, Elanor “Izzy” Oliveira; his brother, Jaime Oliveira; his nephews, Devin Oliveira and Garrett (Laura) Oliveira; his partner, Ester Gutierrez; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. 

René was preceded in death by his father, Antonio Oliveira; his mother, Gloria Oliveira; his brother, Mark Oliveira; and his brother, Antonio “Tony” Oliveira. 

Visiting hours will be held on Monday, the 29th of January 2024 between the hours of four o'clock in the afternoon and nine o’clock at night, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 1914 Barnard Road, Brownsville, with the recitation of the holy rosary to begin at seven o’clock Monday evening within the church.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ten o'clock in the morning on Tuesday, the 30th of January 2024 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. All services will conclude at the church.

Honored to serve as his pallbearers will be Jaime Oliveira, Ron Oliveira, Carlos Oliveira, Devin Oliveira, Garrett Oliveira, and Sean Y. Palmer. Honorary pallbearers are Tony Zavaleta, George Gavito, Hector Uribe, Hector Vera, Horacio Barrera, Richard Sanchez, JJ Garza, Tony Gray, and Ignacio Garza.

In lieu of floral arrangements and customary remembrances, donations may be made in memory of René to the Cameron County Children’s Advocacy Center. 

The family will gather for a private committal service at Buena Vista Burial Park in Brownsville, where René will be laid to rest beside his parents. 

Memories of René may be shared at www.darlingmouser.com.

Personalized funeral arrangements directed by Steven R. Hieu Bailey and Staff have been entrusted to the care of Darling-Mouser Funeral Home at 945 Palm Boulevard in Brownsville, Texas 78520, (956) 546-7111.