Judge Robert J. Galvan

JUDGE ROBERT J. GALVAN, a native of El Paso, went to meet the Lord on Saturday, September 24, 2016 at the age of 96. He was a graduate of Cathedral High School, attended Texas College of Mines (UTEP) and received his Law Degree from Southern Methodist School of Law in 1949, where he was a member of Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity. Judge Galvan also served in the United States Air Force from 1943-1946, prior to attending law school. Judge Galvan was in private practice with the law firm of Galvan & Galvan with his brother, Frank Galvan from 1949-1974. He was later appointed to serve the City of El Paso as First Assistant City Attorney in 1957 through 1964. He was elected to revise the Charter of the City of El Paso on the City Charter Commission from 1963-1965, as well as appointment to the City Planning Commission. He was appointed by Texas Governor John Connally in 1963 to serve on the Good Neighbor Commission of Texas and served as its Vice-Chairman from 1963-1969. He was elected as Judge of the County Court at Law #1 in 1969 and served until his retirement in 1990. Judge Galvan was a member of the State Bar of Texas, American Bar Association, El Paso Bar Association, and Duly Elected Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation, American Judicature Society, member of the Judicial Section of the State Bar of Texas, member of the National College of Probate Judges, American Academy of Judicial Education, and National College of the State Judiciary. Judge Galvan was Past President of Southern Methodist University Alumni Association of El Paso and former member of the Board of Directors for the Southern Methodist University Law Alumni Association. In his civic work, Judge Galvan worked with the United Way Campaign, Boy Scouts of America, member of the Board and Past President of Our Lady’s Youth Center, member of the Board and Past President of the East El Paso Kiwanis Club, member of LULAC Council #132, member of the Board of Directors of the National Council of Christians and Jews, member of the Knights of Columbus, National Spelling Bee Judge for 15 years and served on the Executive Board for the Southwest Sun Carnival. During his judicial career, Judge Galvan served on the El Paso County Courthouse Law Library Committee and was ultimately honored by the dedication of the Robert J. Galvan Library. Judge Galvan was predeceased by his wife, Emma Valencia Galvan, a teacher in the El Paso Independent School District. He is survived by his two children, Robert L. Galvan of El Paso and Victoria Galvan Hess of Helotes, Texas; grandchildren John K. Galvan and Cassandra York, both of El Paso, Rebecca S. Hess and Sam Hess, both of San Antonio, as well as two great grandchildren Sarin Galvan and Marie Galvan. Visitation will be Thursday, September 29, 2016 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. with Vigil Service at 7 p.m. at Martin Funeral Home-Central. Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, September 30, 2016 at St. Patrick Cathedral at 9:30 am. Rite of Committal will follow at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery.Arrangements under the direction of Funeraria Del Angel Martin Central, El Paso, TX.