Paulino Tovar Jr.

Born on May 23, 1939, in Alice, Texas, to Minerva and Paulino Tovar Sr., Paul's life was defined by hard work, vision, and an unwavering commitment to improving opportunities for others. His path to success began long before college. At the age of nine, he started his first job as a pinsetter at a local bowling alley, often working until closing time. Throughout his youth, he shined shoes, sold newspapers, picked cotton, and worked part-time in grocery and hardware stores. While in high school, he found employment at a local pharmacy. Inspired by a close friend who enrolled in pharmacy school at The University of Texas at Austin, Paul decided to pursue the profession himself, graduating from UT Austin in 1963 with a pharmacy degree.

Paul was an entrepreneur at heart. He believed business could be a powerful tool for creating opportunities and addressing inequalities in healthcare, education, and economic development. In 1966, he opened Central Pharmacy in East Austin, quickly becoming a trusted healthcare resource and a vibrant community hub. His vision expanded over the years with the addition of the Austin Minor Emergency Clinic in 1982 and the Austin Occupational Clinic in 1988. In 1994, he launched the Vista Health Plan HMO. Together with his clinics and provider network, this grew into a comprehensive healthcare system serving patients across Austin, San Antonio, and Houston—always ensuring care reached the underprivileged.

Following his healthcare ventures, Paul expanded into long-term care through the Oakwood Personal Care Home in Granger, Texas. He further diversified into real estate, banking, and insurance, utilizing these endeavors as a broader platform to advocate for economic mobility and support low-income and minority-owned businesses throughout Central Texas. Embracing his love of music, enterprising spirit, and love of community gathering places, Paul also purchased the Rockin' M Dance Hall in 1973. That same year, he earned his commercial pilot's license, an example of his lifelong determination to pursue new challenges.

Although Paul preferred to cultivate political and civic leadership behind the scenes rather than seek elected office himself, his contributions earned widespread respect. In the 1970s, he worked closely with Brackenridge Hospital as both a pharmacy vendor and an alternate appointee. He was also appointed by the Austin City Council to several advisory bodies, including the Brackenridge Hospital Advisory Committee and the Aviation Advisory Committee.

Deeply committed to economic development and job creation, Paul assumed leadership in 1981 of a small community development organization later rebranded as Texas CDC. Under his guidance, the SBA-certified Community Development Corporation helped finance business growth and contributed to the creation of thousands of jobs across Texas. That same year, he served as Chair of the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, advancing opportunities for Hispanic entrepreneurs.

Throughout his life, Paul remained guided by three passions: creating jobs, educating people about business ownership, and supporting programs that bring hope and opportunity to communities. His legacy endures through the institutions he helped build, the communities he strengthened, and the generations he inspired to dream bigger and achieve more. He will be remembered as a visionary entrepreneur, dedicated community leader, devoted friend, and champion for opportunity.

Paul is survived by his devoted partner, Frances Prudhomme. He is also survived by his children: Milissa Tovar Cuellar and her husband Nash Cuellar, Blyth Tovar Rehberg and her husband Stephen Rehberg, Paul Anthony Tovar and his life partner Melinda Gonzales, and Melinda Tovar Salazar.

He leaves behind his grandchildren: Matthew Cuellar and his wife Ashley Cuellar, Allison C. Bradly and her husband Sean Bradly, Ashley C. Sousa and her husband Sean Sousa, and Nicolas Tovar-Salazar and his wife Charis Tovar-Salazar; and his great-grandchildren: Matthew Holt Cuellar, Katherine Carter Cuellar, Josiah Cuellar, Milo Sousa, Gray Tovar-Salazar, Rainn Tovar-Salazar, and Wolfe Tovar-Salazar. He is further survived by his sisters, Micaela “Mickey” Martinez and Rita Saenz, as well as many loving nieces and nephews.

Paul was preceded in death by the mother of his children, Mary Louise Rios Tovar; his parents, Minerva and Paulino Tovar Sr.; his sister, Ana Salas; and his brother-in-law, Arturo Martinez.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life honoring our loved one on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 5:00 pm. The service will take place at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 5416 Parkcrest Drive, Austin, TX 78731.

A private family ash-scattering ceremony will take place at a later date at the mountain top in Denali National Park, Alaska.