J. C. Trevino, Jr.
Jose C. "Pepe" Trevino, Jr. (May 31, 1930 - March 27, 2007), was a prominent businessman in Laredo, Texas, who served thirty-two years on the Laredo Community College board of trustees. He was particuarly known for his promotion of youth activities but discouraged attention to his philanthropic endeavors, such as support for the Sacred Heart Children's Home orphanage and the Boys Club and Girls Club of Laredo. His hometown newspaper, the Laredo Morning Times, named him "Laredoan of the Year" for 2007.
Trevino was appointed to the LCC board by his future colleagues effective January 15, 1975, to fill the Position 4 seat vacated by Carlos H. Mata. He was then elected to five six-year terms, beginning on April 3, 1976. His last election was in May 2006, when he faced a stronger-than-usual opponent in former trustee Sabas Zapata of Laredo for a term of which Trevino completed less than one year. His latest term would have extended until 2012. He was the board vice-president in 1986, 1990, and from 1992-1994. On the board, he was particularly know for his attention to details and was a constant advocate to keep down taxes and tuition.
Trevino established his Southern Enterprises beverage company in 1957 and was heavily involved in business ventures in both the United States and Mexico. He had been a director of the Laredo National Bank since 1975.
Trevino was born in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, across the Rio Grande from Laredo to Jose C. Trevino, Sr., and the former Victoria Salinas (1902-1981). He was a brother of Bebe Zuniga, who made a strong race for mayor of Laredo in 1990 and brother-in-law of Carlos Zuniga, a former member of the Laredo City Council, and Olga Trevino Barnes. He graduated from Martin High School in 1947. That same year he married the former Rose Ella Tarver. The couple reared six children: Laredo attorney J.C. "Pepe" Trevino, III (born 1949), and wife Adrienne, Diana T. Garcia and husband Ricardo, Roberto Trevino and wife Prissy, Anna Laura Trevino, Guillermo Trevino and wife Tammy, and Carlos F. Trevino and wife Pauline. There were also fourteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Trevino died of cancer. Services were held at St. Patrick's Catholic Cathedral in Laredo. He was interred in the Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Laredo. Monsignor Thomas A. Davis described his friend Trevino as a man of "deep faith", prayer, and courage. We always turned to Pepe for help. Most people will never know the good work he was doing because he did not seek notice or recognition."
The Trevino Fitness Center on the South Campus of Laredo Community Center is named in Trevino's honor.
References
Kirsten Crow, "Farewell to Pepe: Family and friends pay final respects", Laredo Morning Times, April 1, 2007
Trevino obituary, Joe Jackson Heights Funeral Chapels, Laredo, Texas, March 30, 2007
"Death of J.C. "Pepe" Trevino, Jr.", Laredo Community College Public Information Office, March 27, 2007