Thomas G. Morris facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Thomas G. Morris
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New Mexico's At-large district (Seat A)
In office January 3, 1959 – January 3, 1969
Preceded by	John J. Dempsey
Succeeded by	District abolished
Member of the New Mexico House of Representatives
In office 1953–1958
Personal details
Born	Thomas Gayle Morris (1919-08-20)August 20, 1919 Carbon, Texas, U.S.
Died	March 4, 2016(2016-03-04) (aged 96) Amarillo, Texas, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Alma mater	University of New Mexico

Thomas Gayle Morris (born August 20, 1919 – died March 4, 2016) was an important American politician. He served in the government for many years.

Early Life and Education

Thomas Morris was born in a town called Carbon, in Texas. Later, he moved to New Mexico. He joined the United States Navy and served there from 1937 to 1944. After leaving the Navy, he worked as a farmer in Quay County. He also went to college and graduated from the University of New Mexico in 1948.

Serving in Government

Thomas Morris started his political career in New Mexico. He was a member of the New Mexico House of Representatives from 1953 to 1958. This is a group of people who make laws for the state of New Mexico.

In the U.S. House of Representatives

In 1958, Thomas Morris was elected to the United States House of Representatives. This is a part of the U.S. government that makes laws for the whole country. He was a member of the Democratic Party. He started his work in Washington D.C. on January 3, 1959. He served for ten years, until January 3, 1969.

When he tried to get re-elected in 1968, he lost the election. His home district changed, and he was narrowly defeated by a Republican businessman named Manuel Lujan Jr..

After Congress

After leaving the U.S. House of Representatives, Thomas Morris continued to be active. In 1972, he tried to run for the United States Senate, another part of the U.S. government, but he did not win the Democratic nomination.

Later, he worked as a consultant and a vice president for a bank. He lived in Albuquerque, New Mexico for many years.

Legacy

Thomas G. Morris gave his important papers from his time in Congress to the New Mexico State University Library in 1973. These papers help people learn about his work and the history of the time. He passed away in March 2016 when he was 96 years old.