Robert A. Junell, who served West Texas as a Senior US District Court Judge and was elected seven times as representative for Texas House District 72 died on Saturday, according to family friends.
He was 78-years old.
Neighbor and friend Vic Choate said he couldn’t say enough about the man, when it comes to everything Robert Junell has done for West Texas.
“We were friends since about 1978, and became close family friends,” Choate said during a phone call on Saturday afternoon.
“Robert was a very energetic, very good guy,” Choate said. “He was very civic oriented, and he got involved. First, he became our state representative, and then he became chairman of the Appropriations Committee, where he could really make a difference for San Angelo.
“You would probably still be driving on a dirt road from east to west San Angelo had he not become chairman of appropriations … It was only 45 years building that east-west throughway, and it just sat there, because the funding got hung-up on something trivial.
Choate said as a close friend, he learned a lot about how much hard work goes into a making a budget for the State of Texas.
“I remember when he was on Appropriations, they’d work ’em from about 8 o’clock in the morning till 4 in the afternoon, and then they’d come back at 7 and work until 10 … and during that time he’s got to go and talk to every concerned party, and work everything out so they can get a budget out — because in Texas, nobody can do anything until they adopt a budget.”
Choate also mentioned his work along with House Speaker Pete Laney in an attempt to bring long-overdue overhaul to the Texas Constitution.
“And while Robert was good for the people of Texas, he was extremely good for Angelo State, and the City of San Angelo,” Choate said, “And he helped with local agriculture, getting some bills passed to help us get some of that brush removed from the watersheds, and other important things.”
His friend also recalled that it was taken as a sign of deep respect that Junell, a Democratic Party representative, was nominated to the federal bench by President George W. Bush.
Choate said that, as a public figure — and especially as a federal judge — most people only got to see the serious side of Rob Junell, but he was always a very funny person, who liked to play as hard as he worked.
“Everything he did was 110-percent.”
Choate also talked about Junell’s faith, noting that he was a strongly committed Christian who inspired him to begin attending church regularly.
“They were just very good people,” he said, ” They’re the kindest, most generous people you could hope to meet, and they raised good kids, and that’s the best you can hope for.”
Texas Rep. Drew Darby Remembers Junell
“Clarisa and I are deeply saddened by the passing of Judge Robert Junell, a dear friend and an exceptional public servant.
“Robert dedicated his life to the people of West Texas, from his years in the Texas House to his service on the federal bench. His wisdom, integrity, and steady hand earned the respect of all who worked alongside him.
“Judge Junell embodied the very best of West Texas: humility, fairness, and an unwavering commitment to justice and community.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. His legacy of service will continue to inspire future generations.”
Funeral Services
Funeral services for Judge Robert Junell have been set for 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14, at First Presbyterian Church of Midland, 800 W. Texas Ave, with a reception afterward.
Graveside services will take place at 1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 17 in the State Cemetery in Austin, located at 909 Navasota St.
Robert A. Junell
Born in El Paso, Junell received his Associate of Arts degree from New Mexico Military Institute in 1967, before moving on to Texas Tech University.
Junell was a standout linebacker for the Red Raider football team, participating in several memorable games during his two seasons, beginning with a 19-13 Red Raiders victory over No. 8 Texas in his second game. According to the Double T Varsity Club, “that win in front of 66,000 fans in Austin marked Tech’s first in the state capital as the Red Raiders went on to finish 6-4 overall and 5-2 in the early years of the Southwest Conference.”
While attending school in Lubbock, Junell met and married Beverly Singley in 1968, who was studying art and education.
After graduation, Junell joined the Army, serving in Germany, and the young couple welcomed their first child while overseas.
Leaving the Army with the rank of captain, the Junells returned to the states, and Robert worked to obtain his Master of Science degree from the University of Arkansas in 1974, followed by a Juris Doctor from Tech School of Law in 1976.
In 1989, Junell began the first of many terms in the Texas House, where he rose to chairmanship of the influential Appropriations Committee.
President George W. Bush nominated Junell to federal judicial service with a seat on the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas in January of 2003.
Following his confirmation by the Senate in February of that year, he received his commission, eventually assuming senior status in February 2015.
4 Comments
This is an enormous loss. Rob might have been the most consequential San Angeloan of the last 75 years. In addition to the Houston Harte Expressway, he was responsible for or a key figure behind the San Angelo State Park, the West Texas Training Center, the Ralph Chase state office building, the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts, the computer building at ASU and all that is just off the top of my head. I’m sure others can add to it. He almost single-handedly saved the railroad running through San Angelo, springing into action when he learned the line was within days of being torn up for scrap. Rob was relentless when he took on a task or cause, whether it was saving the state-supported living center at Carlsbad or spreading the word to get people to sign up for the new children’s health program. He happened to be at the center of action when Texas government was at its best in the 1990s, when for a brief period good and competent politicians from both parties joined forces to do things that actually benefited Texans. Topping it all off, he was funny, generous and an all-around good person.
Friend, great and effective human being. We raised children together, my son Gus and his son Clay remain good friends (Clay lived much of his senior year at Central with us while Rob and Beverly did great work in legislature). I particularly enjoyed participating in his election campaigns. Easily the best political campaigns I helped produce, especially several TV ads. He was seriously good legislator who also was seriously enjoyable and funny person. My life is richer for having known and worked with Rob (and Beverly).
Praying for the Junell family for God’s comfort, peace, and His presence during this time of loss and the grieving process. We went to Monterey High School in Lubbock where he was a very good football player.
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