H.R. No. 1951
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, An exemplary life dedicated to public service has
drawn to a close with the death of Texas Commissioner of Insurance
David Calvin Mattax on April 13, 2017, at the age of 60; and
WHEREAS, David Mattax was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on January
15, 1957, to Dr. Calvin and Carolyn Mattax; he studied at The
University of Texas, where he graduated summa cum laude, earning a
bachelor of arts degree in history and a bachelor of science degree
in mathematics; he later completed a law degree at UT; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Mattax spent 23 years with the office of the
Texas attorney general, serving as director of defense litigation
and as chief of the Financial Litigation Division; as deputy
attorney general, he supervised the defense of all lawsuits against
the State of Texas, appearing before the U.S. Supreme Court in 2004;
and
WHEREAS, Starting in 1992, Mr. Mattax represented the Texas
Department of Insurance for many years, working with eight
insurance commissioners on a wide variety of issues; he also
represented the state banking and securities departments, as well
as other state agencies; in January 2015, he was appointed Texas
Commissioner of Insurance by Governor Greg Abbott, and in December
2016, he was elected secretary-treasurer of the National
Association of Insurance Commissioners; and
WHEREAS, A man of great erudition, charm, and warmth,
Mr. Mattax enjoyed sharing his love of music, art, and fine foods
and wines with his friends and colleagues; he lived in France for a
time, and his extensive travels were documented with his artful
photographs; an active member of the University United Methodist
Church, he served on its finance committee and board of trustees and
co-chaired the Amos Commission; and
WHEREAS, The loss of David Mattax is keenly felt by the
numerous friends that he made through the years as well as by the
countless people in Texas and beyond whose lives he forever
enriched; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of David Calvin Mattax
and extend heartfelt sympathy to the members of his family: to his
mother, Carolyn Mattax; to his sisters, Carol Curry, Charlotte
Mattax Moersch, and Cathy Mattax; and to his other relatives and
many friends; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of David
Calvin Mattax.
Phillips
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 1951 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the House on May 12, 2017.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House