Services held for esteemed senator

State Senator Tom Haywood, 61, died at his home in Wichita Falls last Thursday morning after apparently suffering a heart attack.

Haywood’s death comes on the heels of what he considered his most successful session as a member of the Texas Senate. Governor Rick Perry signed thirty-nine bills either written by Haywood or House bills sponsored by him in the Senate. Additionally, several Haywood initiatives passed as amendments to other bills. In May, The Associated Press named him one of the six “Movers and Shakers” of the 77th Legislature.

Haywood was a former associate professor of physics at the University of North Texas in Denton and Midwestern State University (MSU) in Wichita Falls. While at MSU, he also served as the director of University Affairs. In 1979, Haywood left the education field to become vice president of the North Texas Oil and Gas Association (NTOGA). Under his leadership, NTOGA became one of the most respected industry organizations in the nation.

During his tenure in office, the senator made family values, tax incentives, and agricultural issues his focus. He served on the Education, Natural Resources, Economic Development, State Affairs, Military Affairs, and Nominations Committees. He was also chairman of the Senate Sub-Committee on Agriculture and co-chairman of the Joint Interim Committee on Agriculture Policy.

Senator Haywood, along with his wife Pat, was a native of Dallas. He resided in Wichita Falls since 1971.

Gov. Perry said there had been no better example of courage and selfless service to Texas than Haywood.

“Despite the personal challenges he faced daily, Tom never let them interfere with his commitment to serving the people of his district and of this state,” Perry said. “Texas has lost more than a senator. We have lost someone who truly loved Texas and personified what public service is all about.

“I will always remember Tom as an outstanding state senator and a loyal ally, but most of all, as a good friend. His leadership in the Senate will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Haywood family during this difficult time.”

Lt. Gov. Bill Ratliff, a longtime friend and colleague, said Haywood’s death is a great loss.

“Tom Haywood was a gentleman, a leader, and one of the best friends Texas ever had. Senator Haywood blessed the Texas Senate and our entire state with a special brand of bravery that was a daily inspiration to everyone who knew him. Tom was a dear friend and a loyal colleague.  Sally and I extend our deepest sympathy to his wife Pat, and his entire family as we share their loss.”

Haywood is survived by his wife, Pat; three daughters: Alisa Green of The Colony; Denise Haywood of Wichita Falls; Jamie Ratliff of Grand Prairie; and eight grandchildren. His son, Tommy, preceded him in death on May 27.

Funeral services were Saturday at First United Methodist Church in Wichita Falls.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to: The Society for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, Inc., Woodholme Medical Building, Suite 515, 1838 Greene Tree Road, Baltimore, MD  21208, or to the First United Methodist Church, PO Box 2125, Wichita Falls, TX  76307.2125