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Rep. VanDeaver, Gary

Representative VanDeaver, Gary

Biography

Rep. Gary VanDeaver is serving his sixth term as the state Representative for Texas House District 1 for Bowie, Cass, Lamar, Morris and Red River counties. He appreciates the opportunity to serve Texans in Northeast Texas and work hard on their behalf before, during and after legislative sessions.

Committee assignments. House Speaker Dustin Burrows appointed Rep. VanDeaver to serve on these House Committees for the 89th session:

  • House Committee on Public Health – he also served as chair of this important committee that, in addition to many other bills, heard and passed out House Bill 18 (89th, R), also known as Rural Health Stabilization and Innovation Act, which was filed by Chair VanDeaver. HB 18 is designed to bring resources, program guidance, grant programs and continuing education opportunities to rural hospitals so they can maximize their limited resources to continue serving people who live in and travel through rural Texas.

  • House Committee on Higher Education – after Chair VanDeaver’s important work in the 88th session in 2023 filing and passing House Bill 8 (88th, R) that revamped the state’s community college finance system, he appreciated the opportunity to serve on this committee to delve even deeper into the issues and challenges in the broader higher education systems and communities.


Bills filed & passed. Over the last 10 years serving in the House of Representatives, Gary has passed legislation specifically for interests in HD 1 including bills relating to the election of trustees for Paris Junior College; exemptions for counties from the state’s motor fuels tax; appointment of bailiffs in Bowie County courts; additional powers for TexAmericas Center; a bill allowing honorably retired peace officers to be buried in their uniforms; as well as bills to align student completion of courses in high-demand, high-skilled and high-wage programs in career and technical education with the state's accountability system. This session’s HB 18 will also provide much-needed medical resources for HD 1.


Personal information. Raised on a small family cattle operation near Clarksville, Texas, in Red River County, Gary learned the importance of a strong work ethic, a love for the land and faith in God from an early age. Traditional values and a commitment to service continue to drive Gary in his daily work on behalf of the families and communities of his district. Inspired by a deep- seated belief in serving others and investing in our rising generations, Gary embarked on a 33year career as an educator. After beginning his career as a vocational agriculture teacher, he became a school principal and completed a Doctorate in Educational Administration. He last served as Superintendent of New Boston Independent School District before his initial election to the Texas House in 2014.

Gary and his wife, Pamela, have been married for 41 years. Their two grown daughters carry on the family tradition of public service as a school teacher and criminal prosecutor. The VanDeavers also have two granddaughters and a grandson. Locally, Gary is involved with the Chamber of Commerce and Lions Club, having served as president of both. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Texas FFA, Red River County Farm Bureau, Bogata Rodeo Association and Red River County Fair Association. The VanDeavers are members of the First Baptist Church of New Boston, where Gary serves as a deacon and teaches adult Sunday school.