Noble Willingham

Noble Willingham, who left his role as a saloon owner on the television series " Walker, Texas Ranger " to make a run for political office in Texas, has died. He was 72.

Mr. Willingham died Jan. 17 at his Palm Springs home, his manager, Sandy Josephs, said.

He died of natural causes, according to the Riverside County coroner ' s office. Further details were not available.

Mr. Willingham, who worked steadily as a supporting actor in films and television, was the 2000 Republican nominee for a congressional seat in East Texas. He lost to Democrat Max Sandlin.

He played barkeep C.D. Parker on " Walker, Texas Ranger " from 1993-99. His character was a former Texas Ranger who provided advice on cases to Ranger Cord Walker, played by series star Chuck Norris.

Mr. Willingham ' s " distinctive voice and warmly gruff manner " helped him bring authority figures to life, said a release from Josephs.

A native of Mineola, Texas, Mr. Willingham pursued his dream of acting after earning a master ' s degree at Baylor University and working as a teacher.

He was among the local Texans hired when " The Last Picture Show " (1971) was filmed on location by director Peter Bogdanovich. His other film credits included " Paper Moon " (1973); " Chinatown " (1974); " City Slickers " (1991) and its 1994 sequel; " Ace Ventura: Pet Detective " (1994); and " Up Close and Personal " (1996).

He returned to acting after his failed congressional campaign, filming " Blind Horizon " with star Val Kilmer in 2002. The movie is scheduled to be released this year.

Mr. Willingham is survived by his wife, Patti Ross Willingham; children, Stori Willingham, Meghan McGlahen and John Ross McGlahen; and grandson, Noble Willingham III.