Jose Adan Trevino

Jose Adan Trevino, a beloved patriarch, visionary leader, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on Monday, the 30th of December 2024, in Houston, at the age of 92. Born on the 19th of March1932, in Brownsville, Texas, Adan devoted his life to uplifting his family, community, and those fortunate enough to know him. With a warmth that made everyone feel welcome and a genuine interest in people, Adan brought an infectious energy to every room he entered. A spirited business meeting, where he could engage others and share ideas, was his version of a good time…evidence of his love for connection and collaboration.

Adan’s life was a tapestry woven with love, faith, and service. He met the love of his life, Virginia Lamar Gonzalez while attending The University of Texas at Austin. Ironically, they met at a UT campus organization meeting where Adan was the President. Virginia would never have predicted that organizations and clubs would become a huge part of their married life. Married in 1955, they shared 58 wonderful years as lifelong Longhorn fans and travel companions, raising two devoted daughters and building a legacy of love and leadership.

Adan’s greatest joy was his family. He was a loving father to Cynthia Lamar Miller (husband Lee) and Glorianna O’Donnel (husband Mike). Known as Granddaddy, he adored his grandchildren Jessica Marshall (husband John Paul), Lauren Dietrich (husband Mike), Adam Seymour (partner Jennifer), and Blake O’Donnel (wife Molly). He found immense delight in his six great-grandchildren and shared a special bond with his sister, Mari Bobo of McAllen, Texas, and his many nieces, nephews, and godchildren.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Virginia, his parents, Daniel and Manuela Coronado Trevino, and his siblings, Daniel K. Trevino, Joe Trevino, and Ophelia Trevino Paz.

Adan, a Brownsville High School graduate, earned his pharmacy degree in 1955 from The University of Texas at Austin. He established Amex Pharmacy in Houston’s East End, a testament to his dedication to his community. Over 35 years, his entrepreneurial spirit expanded to include a pharmaceutical consulting firm managing eight pharmacies across Houston. His professional achievements included serving as President of both the Texas Pharmaceutical Association and the Harris County Pharmaceutical Association. As part of the UT College of Pharmacy’s Advisory Council, he enjoyed giving inspirational lectures to the students on the Austin Campus.

Adan was a true visionary, always imagining ways to help his community. He saw a need for people to receive real-time news, programming and entertainment in their language. Therefore, as co-founder of Pueblo Broadcasting and KXLN-TV, Houston’s first Spanish-language television was born. He revolutionized the media landscape for the Houston area’s Hispanic community. He was known as the “Father of Spanish-Language Television” in Houston. His leadership at KXLN-TV, a Univision network affiliate, earned him national recognition. Among his numerous accolades were the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s Hispanic Businessman of the Year (1989) and recognition as one of the “One Hundred Most Influential Hispanics in the United States.”

Adan’s dedication to service led to leadership roles on numerous boards and organizations, including:

• Chairman of the Board of Directors, U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

• Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chairman Emeritus, Houston Hispanic Chamber of

Commerce

• Board of Directors, Greater Houston Partnership

• Board of Directors, Houston Community College Foundation

• Board of Trustees, Baylor College of Medicine

• Board of Directors, Laredo National Bank

• Board of Directors, First Interstate Bank of Texas

• Chairman of the State of Texas Securities Board

• Health and Human Services Council

• Chairman and Board of Directors, Mexican Institute of Greater Houston

• Board of Directors, Institute of Hispanic Culture

• Board of Governors, Houston Forum Club

• Board of Directors, Alley Theatre

• Board of Directors and Chairman, Houston International Festival Foundation

• Board of Directors, Greater Houston Area Chapter of the American Red Cross

• Board of Directors, Sheltering Arms

• Board of Directors, United Way of Texas Gulf Coast

• Board of Directors, Better Business Bureau of Metropolitan Houston

• Board of Directors and Chairman, Sembradores de Amistad Educational Foundation

Adan was also a member of civic organizations, including the Lions Club, Mexico Bello, and the Go Tejano Committee of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, where he was a lifetime member.

His lifetime of civic service earned him countless awards, including:

• Samaritan Spirit Award, Samaritan Center for Counseling and Education

• Lifetime Achievement Award, Houston Association of Hispanic Media Professionals

• Distinguished Citizen Award, Houston Area Council of Boy Scouts of America

• Outstanding Media Award, Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce

• Outstanding Entrepreneur, National Association of Investment Companies

• HISD Award for Service to the Children of the Community as a Member of the Tri-Ethnic Committee

• Harris County Pharmaceutical Association Pharmacist of the Year

• Southwest Advertising Hall of Fame from the American Advertising Federation District 10

A man of deep Catholic faith, Adan was active in faith-based organizations and embodied values of compassion, humility, and perseverance. His spirited sense of humor and mentorship shaped countless lives, and he leaves behind an enduring legacy of optimism and leadership.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to his compassionate caregivers at The Buckingham Plaza of Houston, Dr. James Pool, his Univision family, and all who enriched his life.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from five o’clock in the afternoon until seven o’clock in the evening on Wednesday, the 8th of January, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston, where the recitation of the Holy Rosary is to commence at seven o’clock in the evening.

Mass of Christian Burial is to be offered at half past ten o’clock in the morning on Thursday, the 9th of January, at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 1801 Sage Road. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception at the Parish Life Center.

The Rite of Committal is to follow, via an escorted cortege, at Forest Park Westheimer in Houston.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions in memory of Adan may be directed to, Baylor College of Medicine Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs, MSC #800, P.O. Box 4976, Houston, TX 77210 or by visiting online at https://give.bcm.edu/ways-to-give/tribute-gift, or to College of Pharmacy at the University of Texas at Austin, either online at https://give.utexas.edu or by mail at 1 University Station, Mail Stop A3000, Austin, TX 78712.

Jose Adan Trevino’s life exemplified the adage “actions speak louder than words”. His legacy reflects the profound impact of love, determination, hard work, and faith in a shared potential. He will be deeply missed.