Former Texas Governor Mark White Dies At 77

HOUSTON, TEXAS - Former Gov. Mark White died Saturday in Houston, according to reports. He was 77.

White, a Democrat, served as the governor of Texas from 1983 to 1987. Before that, he was attorney general and secretary of state for Texas, where he was a graduate of Baylor University and also practiced law.

During his governorship, White directed his attention to matters related to education and the economy.

He pioneered a policy called "no pass, no play" that required students to pass their classes in order to play high school sports, which generated controversy and was elevated to the Supreme Court. The high court ruled the policy was within the state's purview, according to the Associated Press, which said "no pass, no play" and raising taxes cost him reelection.

White died of a heart attack, according to the Houston Chronicle.

The Associated Press said that he had battled kidney cancer as well.

To honor White, current Gov. Greg Abbott ordered flags lowered to half-staff across the state. Abbott noted that he and his predecessor were friends when he was a lawyer in Houston and they shared an elevator bank.

"Mark White cared deeply about Texas, and he devoted his life to making our state even better, particularly when it came to educating our children," Abbott said in a statement.

“Mark’s impact on Texas will not soon be forgotten, and his legacy will live on through all that he achieved as governor," Abbott said. "...I ask that all Texans join us in praying for the White family as they mourn the passing of a devoted husband, father and public servant."

Photo courtesy of the Texas State Library & Archives Commission.