Mayor Raymond Telles - 1960

Raymond L. Telles, the first Hispanic Mayor of a major American city , the first Hispanic U.S. Ambassador, a decorated U.S. Air Force Colonel and presidential advisor passed away on March 8, 2013 at his daughter's home in Sherman Oaks, California. Telles was born September 5, 1915 in El Paso, Texas and was educated at Cathedral High School and Texas College of Mines (UTEP). After a hard-fought campaign, he was elected Mayor of El Paso in 1957 heralding a major breakthrough in the Mexican American pursuit for political representation. Telles opened the door of opportunity for Hispanics across the city, particularly in the Police and Fire Departments. He implemented policy to ensure equal access for African Americans to City employment, as well as theaters and public facilities. His collaborative, inclusive and unifying leadership won him an uncontested second term. In 1961, Telles was appointed by President John F. Kennedy as U.S. Ambassador to Costa Rica, making history once again as the first person of Hispanic heritage to serve as a United States Ambassador. He served in this post until 1967 when President Lyndon B. Johnson appointed Telles as Ambassador and Chairman of the U.S.-Mexico Border Commission. Later, President Richard Nixon appointed him to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (E.E.O.C), and President Gerald Ford re-appointed him to this commission. Ambassador Telles was an advisor and friend to both Democratic and Republican presidents, including Presidents Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon and Ford. Raymond L. Telles was married for 68 years to the love of his life, Delfina Navarro Telles. He is survived by his two daughters, Dr. Cynthia Telles of Sherman Oaks, California and Dr. Patricia Telles-Irvin of Evanston, Illinois, and grandchildren Raymond D. Jimenez and Daniel Irvin-Telles. http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/elpasotimes/obituary.aspx?pid=163530814

Area: Central / Downtown

Source: Cathedral High School

Uploaded by: El Paso Museum of History