On May 23, SENATOR LLOYD BENTSEN 2006, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family. A man of courage, wisdom, and civility, Lloyd Bentsen set the highest standard for public service. As a young World War II squadron commander, he repeatedly risked his life to defend freedom. In the House of Representatives and the Senate he promoted fiscal responsibility and free trade, supported the civil rights of minorities and women, and enabled protection for children and older Americans. As Secretary of the Treasury he helped bring greater opportunity and unprecedented prosperity to our country. A friend to business and workers alike, Lloyd Bentsen earned our deep appreciation for his extraordinary contributions to the well-being of our Nation. Lloyd Bentsen, Jr. was preceded in death by his parents, Edna Colbath and Lloyd Bentsen, Sr.; and by his granddaughter, Courtney Bentsen. He is survived by his incredible wife of 63 years, BA Longino of Lufkin; son, Lloyd III and wife, Gayle; son, Lan and wife, Adele; and daughter, Tina and husband, Rick Smith; as well as grandchildren, Lloyd Bentsen IV, Ryan Bentsen, Skyler Bentsen, Lori Smith Johnson and husband, Evan, Richard Smith, Kendall Bentsen and Kate Bentsen. He is also survived by his brothers Don Bentsen, Kenneth Bentsen and wife Mary, and sister Betty Bentsen Winn. Lloyd Bentsen had a blessed life. He was born in Mission, Texas in 1921. He graduated from Sharyland High School at age 15, and from the University of Texas Law School at age 21, whereupon he immediately volunteered for the service, and soon thereafter married BA Longino on their sixth date. He became a bomber pilot and highly decorated squadron commander at age 23, flying 35 missions, crash landing once, and attaining the rank of lieutenant colonel. He was elected Hidalgo County Judge at age 25, and was elected to the US House of Representatives at age 27, winning reelection three times. In 1956 he organized Consolidated American Life Insurance Company, evolving into the publicly traded Lincoln Consolidated. Lloyd Bentsen reentered public life by winning election to the US Senate in 1970, and was reelected in 1976, 1982, and 1988, at which point he also served as the Vice-Presidential nominee on the Democratic ticket with Michael Dukakis. He was appointed Secretary of the Treasury in 1993. In 1999 he received the United States Medal of Freedom, America's highest civilian award. Honored to serve during the services as honorary pallbearers are Secretary Madeline Albright, Secretary Roger Altman, Dan Arnold, Morris Atlas, Secretary James Baker, Governor Ben Barnes, Paul Barnhart, Glenn Biggs, Jack Blanton, George Bristol, Congressman Jack Brooks, President George H.W. Bush, Charles Butt, President Bill Clinton, Dr. Denton Cooley, Pete Coneway, Ed Cox, Governor Mike Dukakis, Secretary Charles Duncan, John Duncan, Henijio Garza Laquire, Secretary Pete Geren, Chairman Alan Greenspan, Jenard Gross, Lloyd Hand, Jess Hay, Judge John Hill, Gerald Hines, Governor Bill Hobby, Howard Horne, Harry Hubbard, Joe Jamail, Lady Bird Johnson, Travis Johnson, John Joiner, Vernon Jordan, Herb Kelleher, Mayor Ron Kirk, Secretary Henry Kissinger, Ed Knight, Dr. John Lancaster, Mayor Bob Lanier, Michael Levy, Jose Llado, Barry Margolis, Jack Martin, Charles Miller, John Mobley, Secretary Robert Mosbacher, Joe O'Neill , Ed Randall, Governor Ann Richards, Secretary Robert Rubin, Ambassador Robert Strauss, Secretary Larry Summers, Russell Train, Jack Trotter, Jack Valenti, Governor Mark White, Mayor Bill White, Dr. James Willerson, Congressman Charlie Wilson, Speaker Jim Wright, his distinguished Senate colleagues, and the thousands of volunteers that worked countless hours in his campaigns. The family desires to acknowledge and express their deep appreciation to the Senator's dedicated caregivers; Hilda Afanan, Domingo Alanis, Ron Guzman, Patrick King, and Stefaon Mask. On Tuesday morning, the 30th of May, the family will gather for a private interment ceremony. The memorial service will be conducted at twelve o'clock noon on Tuesday, the 30th of May, in the Sanctuary of the First Presbyterian Church, 5300 Main Street in Houston, with Rev. William Vanderbloemen and Rev. Asa Hunt as officiants. Immediately following the service, all are invited to join the family for a reception in the adjacent Fellowship Hall of the church. In lieu of usual remembrances, the family suggests your consideration of a contribution in memory of Senator Lloyd Bentsen to either the First Presbyterian Church, 5300 Main St., Houston, TX, 77004; or to the Lloyd Bentsen Stroke Research Center at the University of Texas Health Science Center, 7000 Fannin St., Ste. 1200, Houston, TX, 77030.