Clinton Manges | |
|---|---|
| Born | August 22, 1923 Cement, Oklahoma, US |
| Died | September 23, 2010 (aged 87) |
| Resting place | Hahl Memorial Cemetery, Freer, Texas, US |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Opponent | |
| Criminal charge(s) | mail fraud, bribery, conspiracy |
| Criminal penalty | fine
imprisonment |
| Spouse | Ruth Richmond (m. 1946–2010, his death) |
| Children | 4 |
| Military career | |
| Service | U.S. Coast Guard |
| Rank | Able Seaman |
| Notes | |
Clinton Manges (August 22, 1923 – September 23, 2010) was a controversial oil tycoon in Texas in the 1970s and 1980s.
Manges was born in Cement, Oklahoma. He began to amass his fortune in South Texas in the early 1970s, when he befriended Lloyd M. Bentsen, Sr., the father of U.S. Senator Lloyd Bentsen, and political boss George Parr, known as the "Duke of Duval." In 1971, Manges bought a 100,000-acre (400 km2) ranch in the county. He was a confidant and close friend of numerous officials, including the late Attorney General Jim Mattox, Garry Mauro and Lt. Gov. Bob Bullock.[2][3][4]
Unlike most of his contemporaries, Manges was an open, unashamed liberal. With his large fortune, Manges was soon one of the most prolific supporters of Democratic candidates in Texas. He would often donate $50,000 or more to various statewide campaigns. In contrast, most other Texas oil barons like Eddie Chiles, Bunker and Lamar Hunt, Clint Murchison, and two-time Governor Bill Clements were extremely conservative and supported Republican candidates. Paul Burka of Texas Monthly wrote of Manges in 1984, "By mastering the mysterious ways of South Texas, Clinton Manges has built an empire, amassed political influence, declared war on the state establishment—and left bitter enemies in his wake."[2]
- ^ Martin, Douglas (September 28, 2010). "Clinton Manges, Volatile Texas Oilman and Rancher, Dies at 87". New York Times. Retrieved September 9, 2013.
- ^ a b c Burka, Paul (June 1984). "The Man in the Black Hat". Texas Monthly. Retrieved September 9, 2013.
- ^ "South Texas oil tycoon Clinton Manges dies at 87". Beaumont Enterprise. San Antonio Express-News. September 24, 2010. Retrieved September 9, 2013.
- ^ "unknown". August 26, 1995.
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