Southside Icon Senator Frank Madla passes away

Frank Madla, Former State Senator District 19,Aleena Jimenez, granddaughter (photo by La Prensa)

Services for Former State Senator Frank Madla will be held beginning with a Rosary Mass at 9:30 a.m., Thursday at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 13715 Riggs Road, Helotes.

Burial services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at Texas State Cemetry, 909 Navasota St., Austin.

Quotes from friends and politicians on the death of Frank Madla as reported in the Express-News by reporter Lomi Kriel.

"This is a tragedy of immense proportions to Frank's family, friends and to our entire community," said Congressman Charlie Gonzalez. He added, "It is still difficult to comprehend and accept what happened."

"To lose three people at one time, plus all of the precious memories gone up in smoke," said State Rep. Ruth Jones McClendon who added, "this is something that no family should have to go through."

Senator-Elect Carlos Uresti said, "We will miss Frank. It is hard to make sense of any of this. I think all we have been asking ourselves the last two days is 'why?'"

More quotes from the Express-News article written by reporter Gary Scharrer.

"I know he is in heaven. There is no doubt about where Frank is right now," said Brownsville State Senator Eddie Lucio. He added, "I 'm praying that he prepares a place for us at the table."

Senator Leticia Van De Putte said, "I kept thinking of how I was going to be without him on that Senate Floor. Life is so fleeting," she noted.

Van De Putte when on to say, "He meant so much to so many people. We are in shock and in mourning," she pointed out.

Quotes from La Prensa Newspaper.

"He was instrumental in all the major things that came through the legislature," Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff said. He added, "He had just begun enjoying his fruits of life."

SA Councilman Richard Perez said, "He was just turning over a new leaf in his own life and to be cut short like this is a tragedy in our community."

State Rep. Robert Puente said, "The very first day that I arrived to Austin to represent the people from San Antonio, he was the person that showed me how to talk to people and do the necessary procedures. He was a very honest and righteous man."

Bexar County Commissioner Tommy Adkisson said, "He made a difference un public life. He has done good deeds over the last 30 years of service in the legislature. This is a great tragedy and huge loss for Bexar County."