Charles Wilson (1933-2010) was born and raised in Trinity County, Texas. He attended Lon Morris Junior College, Sam Houston State University, The University of Texas, and graduated from the United States Naval Academy. After graduation from Annapolis, Wilson served 4.5 years in the U.S. navy, including three years at sea on a destroyer. While still in the Navy, he was elected to the Texas State House of Representatives in 1960. He served in the House through 1966 (57th-59th Legislatures), when he moved on to the State Senate. Wilson served the Third District through 1972, and then sought and won a seat as a Democrat in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1973. In the State Senate Wilson served on 17 different committees. He chaired the Banking and Constitutional Amendment committees (61st Legislature). He was also the Vice-Chairman of the Transportation Committee (60th Legislature) and the Public Health Committee (61st Legislature). His legislative record reflected a deep-seated interest in East Texas education, water rights, industrial development, and the elderly. Among Wilson’s many legislative accomplishments, he authored legislation creating the Texas Colleges and Universities coordinating board and obtained appropriations for Stephen F. Austin State University and the Lufkin State School. He got funding for the Rusk State Hospital, Corsicana State Home and sponsored bills providing medical assistance and tax exemptions for senior citizens. Creation of the Toledo Bend Resevoir, as well as the Alabama-Coushatta Indian Reservation, also highlights an impressive career in state government. While serving in the U.S. House of Representatives Congressman Wilson was involved in local and international change. He created the first Big Thicket National Preserve, helped the Afghanistan freedom fighters and brought more Veteran Affairs services to East Texas. He retired from the U.S. House of Representatives in 1996. Wilson died February 10, 2010 in Lufkin, Texas and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia. Sources: 1972 Biographical sketch of Wilson located in Series II – State Papers, Box 18, Folder 48. "WILSON, Charles." Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Online at http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=W000570 (Accessed 19 January 2011).