Walter H. Mengden

MENGDEN JR., WALTER HENRY (1926 ~ 2018). The following is an obituary for Walter Mengden, former member of the Texas House of Representatives and Texas Senate. The obituary was provided by Weed, Corley, Fish Funeral Home of Lake Travis.

Walter Henry Mengden Jr., age 91, passed away early Monday morning on April 23, 2018 in Lakeway, Texas.

Walter, a native Houstonian, was born October 25, 1926. He's a graduate of the Kinkaid School, received his law and doctor of jurisprudence degree from the University of Texas law school and a BBA from the University of Texas. A veteran of both the U.S. Navy in World War II, U.S. Army in the Korean War, he received 3 battle stars and a Presidential Unit Citation. Walter represented Harris County and served in the Texas Legislature from 1970 to 1983 as a House Representative and State Senator. Among his outstanding achievements, Walter succeeded in passing more than 90 conservative bills and resolutions into law. Walter worked tirelessly to cut taxes, sponsored and helped established the Texas Sunset Act and a state "Crime Stopper" program throughout Texas. He received many leadership awards from numerous Sheriffs' and Police organizations throughout the state of Texas. Walter was a leader in working for Pro-Family legislation, and he passed the only anti-abortion bills during his tenure. His career in public service concluded as President Pro Tempore of the Senate and Governor of Texas for a day, September 6, 1982.

Walter is a direct descendant of one of the pioneer families in Texas. His family settled near Caney Bayou in Matagorda County in 1842. Walter is survived by his wife, June Shell Mengden, and his 4 children, Dorthea Eugenia, Walter Henry III, Joseph Temple, and John Shell. His brother Carl Crawford Mengden and his sister Pati Mengden Eckhardt. His 9 grandchildren, Walter IV, Michael, Jack, Madeline, Victoria, Daniel, Michael, Rachel and Gabrielle. His nephew and nieces, Michael, Susan and Cathy.

A Requiem Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, April 27, 2018 at Weed-Corley-Fish Lake Travis Chapel. A private family interment will be held at Texas State Cemetery.