Robert Gammage facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Robert Gammage
Justice of the Texas Supreme Court
In office January 2, 1991 – September 1, 1995
Preceded by	C. L. Ray Jr.
Succeeded by	James A. Baker
Texas Third Court of Appeals Justice
In office 1982–1991
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Texas's 22nd district
In office January 3, 1977 – January 3, 1979
Preceded by	Ron Paul
Succeeded by	Ron Paul
Member of the Texas Senate from the 7th district
In office January 9, 1973 – January 23, 1976
Preceded by	Chet Brooks
Succeeded by	Gene Jones
Member of the Texas House of Representatives from the 24-3 district
In office January 12, 1971 – January 9, 1973
Preceded by	Arthur Vance
Succeeded by	District rearranged
Personal details
Born	Robert Alton Gammage (1938-03-13)March 13, 1938 Houston, Texas, U.S.
Died	September 10, 2012(2012-09-10) (aged 74) Austin, Texas, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Lynda Hallmark
Alma mater	Del Mar College (A.A.) Univ. of Corpus Christi (B.S.) Sam Houston State Univ. (M.A.) University of Texas (J.D.) University of Virginia (LL.M.)
Occupation	Lawyer; Professor
Military service
Allegiance	United States
Branch/service	United States Army United States Navy
Years of service	1959–1960 (Active Army) 1960–1964 (Army Reserve) 1965–1995 (Naval Reserve)
Rank	Navy Captain
Unit	U.S. Navy J.A.G. Corps

Robert Alton "Bob" Gammage (born March 13, 1938 – died September 10, 2012) was an important figure in Texas politics. He was a member of the Democratic Party. He served in many different roles, including in the Texas House of Representatives, the Texas State Senate, and even the United States House of Representatives. Later in his career, he became a judge, serving on the Texas Court of Appeals and the Texas Supreme Court. He was known for working to make government fairer and for protecting people's rights.

Education and Military Service

Bob Gammage was born in Houston, Texas. He went to Milby High School there. He studied at several colleges and universities. He earned different degrees, including a bachelor's degree and a master's degree. He also earned law degrees from the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Virginia School of Law.

Gammage also served in the United States military. He was in the United States Army from 1959 to 1960. He was stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia, and in Seoul, Korea. Later, he joined the Navy Reserve in 1965. He served there until 2000, retiring as a Captain.

Bob Gammage's Career in Public Service

Teaching and Early Work

Before and during his time in politics, Bob Gammage was a teacher. He taught at the University of Corpus Christi, San Jacinto College, and the South Texas College of Law. Later, he also taught at Sam Houston State University, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Texas State University, and St. Edwards University.

Serving in the Texas Legislature

Gammage began his political career in the Texas House of Representatives from 1971 to 1973. He was part of a group called the "Dirty 30." This group included lawmakers from both major parties. They worked together to make government more honest and fair. This happened after a big scandal in Texas politics. As a lawmaker, he supported changes to make government better. He also worked on laws to protect consumers and improve healthcare. He supported voting rights for 18-year-olds and equal rights for women.

After his time in the House, Gammage became a member of the Texas State Senate. He served there from 1973 to 1976.

Time in the U.S. Congress

In 1976, Bob Gammage was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He represented Texas in the U.S. Congress for one term. After that, he worked as an assistant state attorney general for Texas. He also advised the U.S. Department of Energy under President Jimmy Carter.

Becoming a Judge

In 1982, Gammage was elected as a justice to the Texas Third Court of Appeals in Austin. He served on this court until 1991. He then moved to an even higher court. In 1990, he was elected to the Texas Supreme Court, the highest court in Texas. He served there from 1991 to 1995.

During his time as a judge, Gammage was involved in many important cases. He believed strongly in protecting individual rights and ensuring equality for everyone. In 1995, he made a big decision. He resigned from the Texas Supreme Court. He did this to bring attention to how money from campaigns was affecting judicial elections. He worked with others to make rules that would limit how much money could be given to judges' campaigns. This helped make judicial elections fairer.

Later Life and Legacy

In 2006, Gammage ran for governor of Texas in the Democratic primary election, but he did not win. He continued to be involved in politics and public service. In 2008, he supported Hillary Clinton's campaign for U.S. president.

In his final years, Bob Gammage often provided free legal help to people who needed it. He passed away on September 10, 2012, at the age of 74. He is remembered for his long career in public service and his efforts to make government more just.