A Representative from Texas; born in Laredo, Webb County, Tex., January 17, 1919; graduated from Laredo High School in 1937; attended the University of Texas 1937-1940, Cumberland University Law School in Lebanon, Tenn., in 1941; admitted to the bar in 1942 and commenced practice in Laredo, Tex.; commissioned an Air Force pilot upon his graduation from Lubbock Air Force Base, 1942; during the Second World War served in North Africa, Sicily, and Italy as a pilot in Troop Carrier Command; discharged with the rank of captain in 1953; served in the Texas house of representatives, 1947-1952; elected to the Texas senate in 1952 and served continuously for fourteen years through 1966; elected president pro tempore of State senate in 1959; served as Acting Governor of Texas, August 4, 1959; member of Texas Legislative Council for sixteen years; delegate, Democratic National Conventions, 1960 and 1964; elected as a Democrat to the Ninetieth and to the eight succeeding Congresses (January 3, 1967-January 3, 1985); unsuccessful candidate for renomination to the Ninety-ninth Congress; was a resident of Laredo, Tex., until his death in Austin, Tex., on November 29, 1987; interment in Catholic Cemetery, Laredo, Tex.
| Types | Person, Political Candidate, Elected Representative |