Hugh Parmer, who led Fort Worth from 1977 to 1979 and served in both houses of the state legislature, has died. He was 80.
When he was mayor, D Magazine described him as “the shrewdest, most cunning politician the city has known in decades.”
Parmer was a Democrat who had stints in the Texas House of Representatives and the Texas Senate. He also ran a few U.S. congressional campaigns, but was never elected.
Deborah Peoples is the chair of the Tarrant County Democratic Party who said his appointment of African American judges — like her sister, Maryellen Hicks — opened up politics to others.
"For me, as I grew older, the Democratic Party wasn’t always welcoming,” Peoples said. “And so what Hugh Parmer did, by his reaching out and his willingness to embrace people who didn’t look like him, it made me stay engaged in the party."
Parmer went on to a career in humanitarian aid. He worked for the federal government responding to global disasters like the war in Kosovo during the Clinton administration, and later led the American Refugee Committee, now known as Alight. He also taught at several North Texas universities.
“Hugh Parmer was an incredible public servant and philanthropist, who always led with compassion and put Fort Worth first,” current Fort Worth mayor Betsy Price tweeted. “Hugh’s dedication to international humanitarian and refugee efforts inspired many and his legacy will leave a positive footprint in our community for generations to come.”
State Senator Beverly Powell tweeted about his “legacy of service.”
“He will be remembered for his forward-thinking approach and commitment to bettering all of humanity,” she wrote.
Got a tip? Email Miranda Suarez at msuarez@kera.org. You can follow Miranda on Twitter @mirandarsuarez.
KERA News is made possible through the generosity of our members. If you find this reporting valuable, consider making a tax-deductible gift today. Thank you.
