Navarro, José Antonio, 1877-1960

An enthusiastic student of Texas history, José Antonio Navarro III worked diligently to foster an appreciation for the role of his family in the development of the state. Born in Laredo, Texas, in 1877, he was named for his grandfather, a prominent figure in San Antonio and Texas events. Though José Antonio Navarro III was born after the death of his grandfather, he became acquainted with his ancestor’s background through family stories, later supplementing them through research and contact with others interested in Texas history. Navarro also maintained an interest in the Confederate military service of his father, Sixto E. Navarro, and other family members who served Texas in the Civil War.

Navarro grew up in Atascosa County and San Antonio. He worked as a public and private school teacher, clerk, bookkeeper, and government worker, primarily in San Antonio, where he settled permanently in 1913. Most of his career was spent in financial offices for the City of San Antonio and Bexar County. He retired in 1957 after more than fifteen years as Deputy Tax Assessor for the county. Navarro was prominent in Catholic Church organizations, particularly the Knights of Columbus and the St. Vincent de Paul Society, and was honored by the Church in 1952 with the presentation of the Papal Cross.

At the time of his death in San Antonio in 1960, Navarro was the last surviving grandson of his famous forebear. Unmarried, he was survived by two sisters.