Former Gov. Mark White lies in state at Texas Capitol
AUSTIN, Texas (KTRK) -- Texas Governor Mark White made his final trip to Austin and to the Capitol building, where he said he achieved the best job he ever had.
Just before noon, eight DPS troopers in dress uniform guided his casket into the rotunda, and in a silent ceremony placed the casket beneath Mark White's portrait, which was draped in black velvet.
A few portraits away was that of the late Ann Richards, who along with White was one of only two Democratic governors to have won office in Texas since the mid-80s.
A long line of people formed to pay respects to White and his family. Former Texas First Lady Linda Gail White accepted condolences in front of her husband's casket, flanked by their children and grandchildren. The couple would have celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary in October.
He passed away Sunday from a heart attack at their Houston home.
White was remembered as a governor who opened government to everyone. Dallas State Senator Royce West said he was among those who benefitted.
"He was the first person to appoint me to a state commission," he said. "Through that he allowed me and other African Americans and latinos who were never before appointed to such commissions," West saud,
His most enduring legacy is education reform, including the 'no pass, no play' rule for Texas student athletes.
"Daddy wanted his legacy to be the education President. Mark deserves to be remembered as the education governor," said Luci Baines Johnson, daughter of President Lyndon Johnson.
Mark White was touted as a possible presidential contender before he failed in his re-election bid. Despite that, Johnson said the late governor had a character trait and commitment in common with her father.
"A willingness to reach out and change and to meet the greatest need for the greatest number of people. That was a common thread that bound him to Lyndon Johnson, I think, always," she added.
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