"Like so many others, I was deeply saddened to hear about the death of my friend, former Fort Worth Mayor and Texas State Senator Hugh Parmer. Hugh was an extraordinary man who directed his keen intellect, intense focus and natural creativity to public service that benefited our hometown of Fort Worth, the State of Texas and our entire nation.

"I have known Hugh for more than 40 years. In fact, I may never have been elected to Congress without his help. He encouraged me to run, he helped me organize my campaign. Throughout my entire time in public office, he was a trusted, reliable, valued friend and advisor.

"I even recruited Hugh to run for Congress in 1996 in a long-shot race that he made closer and more competitive than it ever could have been otherwise. He ran so well, in fact, that the Clinton Administration happily acted on my recommendation that he be appointed to a leadership post with the United States Agency for International Development. Hugh served with honor and great distinction representing our nation in some of the most remote and challenging parts of the world.

"Hugh Parmer was a true public servant and a real humanitarian. We are all better because of Hugh Parmer’s life and dedication to public service.

My thoughts and prayers are with his wonderful wife Evelyn and his children Betsy and Travis."

Martin Frost served as Congressman for Dallas/Fort Worth-based Texas Congressional District 24 from 1979 through 2004.