Gary Halter

1941 - 2025

Gary Halter

Jun 4, 1941 - Nov 8, 2025

Gary Max Halter, 84, passed away on November 8th at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on June 4th, 1941 in Amarillo, Texas to Alma and Robert Halter. Gary was the second of nine children, seven boys and two girls. After living in Amarillo and Oklahoma City, the family settled in Wichita Falls, Texas. He graduated from Wichita Falls Senior High in 1959.

Gary attended Texas A&M University, where he was a member of the Corps of Cadets, before transferring to Midwestern State University, where he earned both his B.A. and M.A. degrees. He later attended the University of Maryland, receiving his Ph.D. in 1969.

In 1963, Gary married Linda Lowrey, also of Wichita Falls. They had three children: Elizabeth Saye, Katherine Rachel, and William "Lee" Halter. Elizabeth passed away at the age of three from cancer. Katie is a nurse living in Florida and Lee resides in Lewisville, Texas.

In 1968, they moved to College Station, Texas, where Gary began his long and distinguished career as a Professor of Political Science at Texas A&M University. Over the course of his career, he received numerous awards and honors before retiring as Professor Emeritus in 2011.

Gary was elected to the College Station City Council in April 1975. After serving five years on the council, he was elected Mayor in April 1980 and served three terms.

During his time as mayor, Gary's greatest impact was in the area of parks. One of his proudest accomplishments was the establishment of Lick Creek Park. In February 2023, the City Council named the Lick Creek Park Nature Center in his honor.

Other major accomplishments included his work in helping establish the Texas Public Power Association, the Brazos County Animal Shelter (now the Aggieland Humane Society), and the joint Bryan-College Station Library System.

Gary was also deeply committed to preserving the history of College Station. He served on the Brazos County Historical Commission and created the City Historic Preservation Committee, serving as its first chair.

Outside of public service, Gary loved reading, woodworking, and debating politics. He and his wife Linda shared a passion for good food and wine as members of the local gourmet club. They also loved traveling the world with a particular fondness for Italy where they spent several semesters with study abroad students from the university.

Gary and Linda spent many summers at their lake house on Camp Creek Lake. Later, they escaped the hot Texas summers at their home in Angel Fire, New Mexico.

Gary was preceded in death by his wife, Linda; his daughter, Elizabeth Saye (Betsy); his parents, Robert and Alma Halter; his siblings Ed, James, Mike, Jack, Glenn, and Roselle; and his daughter-in-law, Melissa.

He is survived by his daughter, Katherine (Scott) Smith of Sarasota, Florida; his son, William "Lee" Halter of Lewisville, Texas; his granddaughter (daughter of Katherine), Chloe Mitchell of Frisco, Texas; his brother, Sam (Carroll) Halter of Georgetown, Kentucky; his sister, Janet (Randy) Boatright of Houston, Texas; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

There will be a celebration of life held on Friday, November 14, 2025 at 1:30 pm at the Visit College Station Center, 1207 Texas Ave, College Station, TX 77840. There will be a reception with light refreshments and snacks to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to Aggieland Humane Society.