Former Land Commissioner Bob Armstrong dies

Former Texas Land Commissioner Bob Armstrong, 82, passed away Sunday night. Armstrong, who began his political career as a Texas House member from Austin, also served in President Bill Clinton’s administration as an Assistant Secretary of the Interior. Armstrong served as Texas Land Commissioner from 1970 to 1983. He was an unsuccessful candidate for governor in 1982, losing to the Democratic nominee, Mark White. White then defeated Republican Gov. Bill Clements. White appointed Armstrong to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission, where he served from 1985 to 1991. Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhardt released a statement praising Armstrong: “Bob loved the land and people of Texas. He was a dedicated Democrat, public servant, husband and father, and of course a passionate conservationist. Because of Bob Armstrong’s decades-long effort, Texas acquired the 212,000 acre property that is now Big Bend State Park. The visitor center was dedicated to Bob last summer and bears his name.” Current Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush said, “While Bob had an easygoing personality and enjoyed a good laugh, he also demonstrated an impressive work ethic and passion for our state’s natural beauty.” Armstrong is survived by his wife, Linda Aaker; his sons, Will and Landis; his daughters, Martha Louise and Shannon Armstrong of Denver, Colorado; and two grandchildren. Services are set for 2 p.m. Thursday at University United Methodist Church.