Tag Archives: obituaries

RIP, Judge Frank Aguilar

Posted on October 1, 2024 by Charles Kuffner

I’m sorry to hear this. Judge Frank Aguilar, who presided over the 228th District Court, died Sunday, according to county officials. He was 66. Other judges were notified about Aguilar’s death around 9 p.m. in an email from 55th District … Continue reading →

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Memorial service information for Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee

Posted on July 27, 2024 by Charles Kuffner

From the Chronicle. Monday: Jackson Lee will lie in state from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Houston City Hall, making the late congresswoman the second person to receive this honor. The first was Dr. Michael DeBakey, a heart surgeon, … Continue reading →

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RIP, Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee

Posted on July 21, 2024 by Charles Kuffner

Very sad news. U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, a towering political figure in Houston for decades and one of the longest-serving members in Congress, died Friday. She was 74. Earlier this year, Jackson Lee had announced that she’d been diagnosed … Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2024 | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

RIP, Kinky Friedman

Posted on June 28, 2024 by Charles Kuffner

I usually put obituaries in the Sunday linkdump, but I thought this one merited its own post. Richard “Kinky” Friedman — the provocative and flamboyant Texas satirist who mounted a spirited campaign for governor in 2006 — has died. He … Continue reading →

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Saturday video break: The boys of the NYPD Choir still singing “Galway Bay”

Posted on December 2, 2023 by Charles Kuffner

I will have a note on his passing in the Sunday linkdump, but for obvious reasons the first thing I thought about upon hearing of Shane MacGowan’s passing was this: As a part-Irishman, I’m an absolute sucker for a sad … Continue reading →

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RIP, Jeff Blackburn

Posted on February 9, 2023 by Charles Kuffner

Here’s a guy who made a difference. In the summer of 1999, police in the tiny town of Tulia carried out one of the largest drug stings in West Texas history. Nearly 50 people were arrested, almost all of them … Continue reading →

Posted in The great state of Texas | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Texas blog roundup for the week of April 19

Posted on April 22, 2021 by Charles Kuffner

The Texas Progressive Alliance now accepts contributions in dogecoin as it brings you this week’s roundup.

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RIP, Rep. Ron Wright

Posted on February 9, 2021 by Charles Kuffner

Condolences to his friends and family. U.S. Rep. Ron Wright, an Arlington Republican, has died. His campaign staff announced the news Monday. Wright had lived for years with cancer and was diagnosed with COVID-19 in January. He was 67. “His … Continue reading →

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RIP, Ronnie Earle

Posted on April 6, 2020 by Charles Kuffner

The iconic former Travis County District Attorney has passed away. Ronnie Earle, who served as Travis County district attorney for more than 30 years and was best known for prosecuting some of Texas’ top politicians and for championing the community … Continue reading →

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RIP, Anna Russell

Posted on February 4, 2020 by Charles Kuffner

Truly, the end of an era. Anna Russell, the petite powerhouse who oiled the engine of government as Houston’s city secretary for nine mayors during a nearly 70-year career defined by her sharp eye and quick wit, died Monday. She … Continue reading →

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RIP, Cassandra Hollemon

Posted on February 12, 2019 by Charles Kuffner

Sad news. Cassandra Hollemon took the bench in a sweep of Black Girl Magic, becoming part of the historic moment when 19 African-American women in Harris County won spots overseeing some of the busiest courtrooms in Texas. In the weeks … Continue reading →

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RIP, George H.W. Bush

Posted on December 2, 2018 by Charles Kuffner

The 41st President passed away on Friday evening. George Herbert Walker Bush, whose lone term as the 41st president of the United States ushered in the final days of the Cold War and perpetuated a family political dynasty that influenced … Continue reading →

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RIP, Ray Hill

Posted on November 26, 2018 by Charles Kuffner

We have lost an icon. Ray Hill was in the cross hairs, and if the Louisiana hitmen actually showed up in Houston to rub him out, he wanted the media to be wise to what had happened. Hill breathlessly related … Continue reading →

Posted in Elsewhere in Houston | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

RIP, Bob McNair

Posted on November 25, 2018 by Charles Kuffner

The Houston Texans owner has passed away. The death of Texans owner and founder Bob McNair rocked the NFL, the city of Houston and his players and coaches Friday, sparking rich remembrances of his life and legacy. McNair was 81 … Continue reading →

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RIP, Barbara Bush

Posted on April 18, 2018 by Charles Kuffner

Former First Lady and mother of President George W. Bush has passed away. Barbara Pierce Bush, matriarch of an American political dynasty that has produced presidents, governors and other high officials, has died in Houston. She was 92. Bush was … Continue reading →

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RIP, CM Larry Green

Posted on March 7, 2018 by Charles Kuffner

Very sad news. Houston City Councilman Larry Green was found dead at his home late Tuesday morning, prompting an outpouring of sadness from City Hall to the southwest Houston district he represented for more than six years. The cause of … Continue reading →

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RIP, Ruth Jones McClendon

Posted on December 20, 2017 by Charles Kuffner

She will be missed. Ruth Jones McClendon, the former longtime state representative from San Antonio, has died. She was 74. State Rep. Barbara Gervin-Hawkins, McClendon’s successor, said she died this morning at her home in San Antonio. “I think she’s … Continue reading →

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RIP, Peter Brown

Posted on December 13, 2017 by Charles Kuffner

A dedicated public servant and a heck of a nice guy. Former Houston city councilman, mayoral candidate and civic leader Peter Brown has died, his family said Tuesday. Brown, an architect and urban planner, was 81. “A loving father, committed … Continue reading →

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RIP, Steve Mostyn

Posted on November 17, 2017 by Charles Kuffner

A terrible tragedy. Steve Mostyn, a top Democratic donor and prominent Houston trial lawyer, has died. He was 46. According to a statement released by his wife, Amber, Mostyn died Wednesday after “a sudden onset and battle with a mental … Continue reading →

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RIP, Mark White

Posted on August 6, 2017 by Charles Kuffner

Former Texas Governor Mark White has passed away. Former Gov. Mark White, who championed education reforms while serving as Texas governor from 1983 to 1987, died Saturday in Houston. He was 77. Julian Read, a close friend of White who … Continue reading →

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RIP, Manuel Rodriguez

Posted on July 20, 2017 by Charles Kuffner

Sad news. Every Tuesday at 8 a.m., Houston ISD Trustee Manuel “Manny” Rodriguez, Jr., would roll his maroon mobility scooter up to his favorite table at the Tel-Wink Restaurant & Grill in Southeast Houston. Rodriguez always left the seat across … Continue reading →

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RIP, Constable Ruben Davis

Posted on October 20, 2016 by Charles Kuffner

Sad news from Fort Bend. At a time when the public and law enforcement officials contemplate how to best blend policing and community, Fort Bend County has lost a man many describe as a role model for the perfect mix … Continue reading →

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RIP, Carl Whitmarsh

Posted on May 10, 2016 by Charles Kuffner

This was certainly a shock. Carl Whitmarsh used to joke that when he died, there would be as many people ready to dance on his grave as to cry over his death. A towering figure in Harris County Democratic politics, … Continue reading →

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RIP, Antonin Scalia

Posted on February 14, 2016 by Charles Kuffner

Wow. Associate Justice Antonin Scalia was found dead of apparent natural causes Saturday on a luxury resort in West Texas, federal officials said. Scalia, 79, was a guest at the Cibolo Creek Ranch, a resort in the Big Bend region … Continue reading →

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RIP, El Franco Lee

Posted on January 5, 2016 by Charles Kuffner

The longest-serving and first African-American Harris County Commissioner passed away suddenly on Sunday. El Franco Lee, Harris County’s first African-American commissioner and a popular mainstay in the political community, died Sunday morning of a heart attack. He was 66. The … Continue reading →

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RIP, Joe Jamail

Posted on December 24, 2015 by Charles Kuffner

A legal legend. Legendary Texas lawyer Joe Jamail, known as the “King of Torts,” passed away today from complications from pneumonia. Texas Lawyer in 2014 asked Jamail whether he ever planned to retire. “You’ll read about it in the obituary,” … Continue reading →

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Friday random ten: Gone too soon, part 5

Posted on June 19, 2015 by Charles Kuffner

Part One Part Two Part Three Part Four 1. Super Freak – Big Daddy (orig. Rick James, 1948-2004) 2. Just A Little Lovin’ – Dusty Springfield (1939-1999) 3. Suite of Old American Dances – Trinity University Wind Symphony (Dr. Eugene … Continue reading →

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Friday random ten: Gone too soon, part 4

Posted on June 12, 2015 by Charles Kuffner

May 31 is the anniversary of my grandfather’s death. Charles Kuffner, Sr (I’m Charles III) was only 55 when he died, three months after I was born, and next year is the 50th anniversary of his passing. My father wrote … Continue reading →

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RIP, Bob Lanier

Posted on December 22, 2014 by Charles Kuffner

Houston’s iconic Mayor of the 1990s has passed away. Bob Lanier, a 6-foot-4 cowboy boot-wearing, sports-crazy political sharpshooter who rose from modest beginnings in blue-collar Baytown to become one of Houston’s biggest developers and most influential mayors, died Saturday. He … Continue reading →

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RIP, Father TJ Martinez

Posted on November 30, 2014 by Charles Kuffner

Some sad local news. Father TJ Martinez seemed comfortable anywhere and with anyone. Raised in Brownsville and educated at some of America’s finest universities, he could charm princes of industry and encourage children born to paupers to study hard to … Continue reading →

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RIP, J. Kent Adams

Posted on October 21, 2014 by Charles Kuffner

J. Kent Adams, one of Harris County’s Justices of the Peace, passed away over the weekend. Judge J. Kent Adams, who presided over one of the Houston area’s busiest justice of the peace courts for 13 years, died Saturday morning … Continue reading →

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RIP, Randy Ertman

Posted on August 22, 2014 by Charles Kuffner

If you’ve lived in Houston long enough, this story will bring back a flood of memories and emotions. Randy Ertman, a house painter who became a blunt-spoken, combative advocate for crime victims’ rights after his daughter and another teen were … Continue reading →

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RIP, Bum Phillips

Posted on October 20, 2013 by Charles Kuffner

A sad day in Houston. Oail Andrew “Bum” Phillips Jr., who spent half his adult life as a football coach and every waking moment as the personification of all things Texan, died Friday at his ranch in Goliad. Phillips was … Continue reading →

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More tributes for Mike Anderson

Posted on September 2, 2013 by Charles Kuffner

Here’s the full Chron story on the death of Harris County DA Mike Anderson. “We all have suffered a terrible loss today of a devoted public servant, husband and father,” first assistant Belinda Hill said in a statement from the … Continue reading →

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