OSCAR HOLCOMBE MAUZY 1926-2000
AUSTIN - Oscar Holcombe Mauzy, a Texas giant, was remembered today in the Senate Chamber. Mauzy died Tuesday, October 10, 2000 at age 73. In his distinguished career, Mauzy served on the Texas Supreme Court from 1987-1992, and as a Texas State Senator representing the 23rd Senatorial District in Dallas from 1967-1986. Mauzy was tireless in his work for minorities, women, and the working people of Texas. Among the important things he accomplished was single member legislative districts in the Legislature, the 1972 passage of the Equal Rights Amendment in Texas, and the authorship of the 1989 court ruling which declared the state's public school finance system unconstitutional. Mauzy was one of the leaders of the 'Killer Bees' of the 66th Regular Session, who broke the Senate's quorum to protest legislation that would create a separate day presidential primary.
Oscar Holcombe Mauzy was born in Houston Texas on November 9, 1926, one of eight children. Mauzy graduated salutatorian from Jeff Davis High School in Houston. He enlisted in the United States Navy where he served in the South Pacific on the USS Washington. After World War II, Mauzy attended the University of Texas using the G.I. Bill and graduated from UT Law School in 1952.
The memorial service was attended by too many former and current state officials to list, a 'Who's Who' of Texas politics. Reverend Davidson Loehr of the First Unitarian Universalist Church began the service. Remarks followed by former Senator Jack B. Strong, Congressman Lloyd Doggett, David Richards, Pat Maloney Sr. and former Governor Ann Richards. All the speakers told of the many stories and experiences they had shared with Oscar Mauzy, of his strong and unwavering beliefs, and of his kindness and generosity. At the close of the memorial service, former Senator Carl Parker lead the group in singing 'We Shall Not Be Moved' from his seat in the audience.
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