AJ Ploch


		A. J. PLOCH 1947-1977

	Anton Joseph Ploch was born March 13, 1905 in San Antonio, Texas, and died April 22, 1985 in San Antonio, Texas. He married Emily Anna Tudyk on August 29, 1926 in St. Hedwig, Texas. A. J. Ploch served as long time County Commissioner and later served as Bexas County Judge. Commanche Park in San Antonio re-named to A. J. Ploch Park.

Anton Joseph (A.J.) Ploch served the citizens of Bexar County from Januar 1, 1947 to 1977 as County Commissioner, Precinct 4, for 30 plus years, a record as yet unexceeded in all Bexar County´s history since Bexar County began electing County Commissioners in 1845, some 158 years ago, and as Bexar County Judge from September 20, 1978 to November 1978.

On April 22, 1985, at the age of 80 years, A.J. Ploch passed away, leaving behind his wife of 58 years, Emily Anna Tudyk, his 4 daughters, Virginia Agnes Gracely, Vivian Gladys Tumlty, Geraldine Nell "Jerri" Puckett, and Eileen Antonette Cunoy, their spouses, his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, along with many family and friends who loved him; and

A.J. Ploch, having been a professional calf-roper saw a need in South Texas to provide a venue for the promotion of rodeos and stock shows, joined Joe and Harry Freeman in 1944 and 1945 to promote a plan to build the Coliseum, was a driving force in the building of what is now the Joe and Harry Freeman Coliseum which was completed in 1949.

A.J. Ploch as a dedicated Director and Life Member of the San Antonio Livestock Exposition, served as founder and trailboss of the Alamo Trail Ride and went on to be named Chairman of twelve trail rides which, in their annual trek to San Antonio, kicked off the Stock Show and Rodeo.

The San Antonio Livestock Exposition inducted the late Judge A.J. Ploch into its prestigious Hall of Fame on January 9, 2003.