Kazen, Chick, 1919-1987

<p>Abraham Kazen Jr., usually known as Chick Kazen (January 17, 1919 – November 29, 1987), was a U.S. Representative from Texas's 23rd congressional district, the first to serve in that particular position. Elected in 1966, Kazen served until 1985, having been defeated in the 1984 Democratic primary election by Albert G. Bustamante.</p>

<p>Kazen was of Maronite Lebanese descent, and is related to the powerful Khazen family. He was a lifelong resident of the border city of Laredo. He graduated in 1937 from Laredo High School, renamed Martin High School. He then attended the University of Texas at Austin from 1937 to 1940. In 1941, Kazen graduated from the Cumberland School of Law in Lebanon, Tennessee, since removed to Birmingham, Alabama.</p>

<p>Kazen served in 1942 as a United States Army Air Corps pilot at the since closed Lubbock Air Force Base. During World War II, Kazen fought in North Africa, Sicily, and Italy as a pilot in Troop Carrier Command. He was discharged in 1953 with the rank of captain.</p>

KAZEN, Abraham, Jr., a Representative from Texas; born in Laredo, Webb County, Tex., January 17, 1919; graduated from Laredo High School in 1937; attended the University of Texas 1937-1940, Cumberland University Law School in Lebanon, Tenn., in 1941; admitted to the bar in 1942 and commenced practice in Laredo, Tex.; commissioned an Air Force pilot upon his graduation from Lubbock Air Force Base, 1942; during the Second World War served in North Africa, Sicily, and Italy as a pilot in Troop Carrier Command; discharged with the rank of captain in 1953; served in the Texas house of representatives, 1947-1952; elected to the Texas senate in 1952 and served continuously for fourteen years through 1966; elected president pro tempore of State senate in 1959; served as Acting Governor of Texas, August 4, 1959; member of Texas Legislative Council for sixteen years; delegate, Democratic National Conventions, 1960 and 1964; elected as a Democrat to the Ninetieth and to the eight succeeding Congresses (January 3, 1967-January 3, 1985); unsuccessful candidate for renomination to the Ninety-ninth Congress; was a resident of Laredo, Tex., until his death in Austin, Tex., on November 29, 1987; interment in Catholic Cemetery, Laredo, Tex.