Rep. Armando Walle Statement on Passing of Former State Rep. Garnet Coleman

Houston, TX — Today, the family of former State Representative Garnet F. Coleman announced he passed away of natural causes on September 23rd.

Rep. Armando Walle (HD 140), a longtime colleague and mentee of State Rep. Coleman and Chair of the Texas Legislative Study Group, released the following statement:

“Garnet Coleman was a force. He is an indelible part of Texas history, and I am so saddened to hear of his passing. All Texans’ lives have been changed by his decades of public service.

“Families can take their kids to the doctor for a check-up when they’re sick because of Garnet. HIV-positive patients are able to access medicine because of Garnet. Texans relying on Medicaid have health care because of Garnet. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

“He also was an influential leader for over a decade as the Chair of the Texas Legislative Study Group, a key caucus in the State House that Members rely on for bill analyses. Through the LSG’s fellowship program, Garnet fostered generations of new Capitol staffers. So many of the brightest and best working in public service have a connection to Garnet Coleman. It was an honor when Garnet asked me to lead the LSG when he retired, and I work hard to be worthy of his legacy every day.

“Garnet taught me how to be a legislator and how to be a public servant. To this day, I’ve still relied on his guidance and support and I will miss him every day. My wife Debbie and my boys Mando and Joaquin send our most sincere condolences to Garnet’s wife, Angelique, and children. ”

###

State Rep. Armando Walle serves House District 140 in Harris County. For questions regarding the information in this release, please contact Cara Santucci, Chief of Staff, by email at cara.santucci@house.texas.gov.