Bexar County Commissioner Paul Elizondo has died. He passed away Thursday morning, according to his family.
Elizondo served on the Bexar County Commissioners Court for 32 years.
Elizondo has deep roots in San Antonio. The Marine Corps veteran graduated from St. Mary's University in 1957. He was a teacher and band director for Edgewood Independent School District before beginning a career in politics.
He served two years in the Texas House of Representatives and then was elected as a Bexar County commissioner for Precinct 2.
"Paul was my dearest friend. Over 17 years, we forged a strong partnership on the commissioners court. His life’s work will leave a lasting impact on our community. I will miss him terribly," said Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff.
The family issued the following statement Thursday:
This morning, Commissioner Paul Elizondo passed away at his home. His passing was unexpected. The 83-year old San Antonio native had just celebrated the Christmas holiday with his family. Details of his funeral services will be forthcoming.
During this difficult time, the Elizondo family is asking for privacy and prayers.
Elizondo is survived by his wife, Irene Elizondo, three adult sons, and three granddaughters.
Read: Condolences Pour in after sudden death of county commissioner Paul Elizondo
Elizondo's sudden passing has created a vacancy in the commissioners court, which Wolff is tasked to fill through an appointment.
According to the Texas Secretary of State's office, Wolff will have to appoint a replacement to serve for the next two years. The remaining two years of Elizondo's term will be filled at the next general election in 2020, which means there will be primaries for that seat in March 2020.
There is no time limit for Wolff to appoint a replacement to fill the vacancy.
Wolff said he had not yet thought about filling Elizondo's seat, saying he wanted to have the commissioner's "final good-bye" first.