Two noteworthy members of the Houston medical scene died Friday, July 11.

Michael E. DeBakey, M.D., 99, noted heart surgeon who had been on the faculty at Baylor College of Medicine and The Methodist Hospital for decades, was a mentor of James T. Willerson, M.D., president of The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and president-elect of Texas Heart Institute.

"We have lost a great leader, builder, medical statesman, and pioneer in cardiovascular surgery,” said Dr. Willerson Saturday. “Dr. DeBakey’s contributions to the building and growth of the Texas Medical Center, the Baylor College of Medicine and The Methodist Hospital have been monumental.

“His work and his inspirational leadership to medicine generally, and the very large numbers of students and surgeons that he helped train are his great legacy to the world. His work in medicine and his inspirational leadership will never be forgotten."

Dr. DeBakey’s body will lie in state, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Tuesday, July 15, in the rotunda of Houston City Hall, 901 Bagby St. DeBakey family members will receive guests in the rotunda, 3-7 p.m.

Dr. DeBakey's funeral service will take place at 1 p.m., Wednesday, July 16, at Sacred Heart Co-Cathedral, 1111 Pierce.

Roy M. Huffington, 90, noted Texas oilman who was appointed ambassador to Austria during the presidency of George H. W. Bush, had been a life member since 1981 of the Development Board of the UT Health Science Center at Houston, as well as a founding member of the institution’s Lone Star Legacy Society.

He made significant gifts to the institution for endowed chairs, professorships and lecture series as well as gifts to geriatric/gerontological research and care, molecular medicine research, stroke and heart research, asthma and hyperthermia research

"He was a wonderful man and one who was so very generous to all the institutions of the TMC, including UTHSC-H, and to many other organizations in the US and abroad,” said Dr. Willerson.

“He was an extraordinary man — absolutely unselfish and always interested in the welfare of others. He was my friend and my patient and I, along with others in Houston and throughout the world, will miss him very much." 

UT School of Nursing at Houston Dean Patricia Starck, D.S.N., said, “Mr. Huffington was a long-time and loyal friend of nursing who supported education and research at the School of Nursing. He was a very fine gentleman and we are saddened to hear of his death. We extend our sincerest condolences to his children. He will be fondly remembered by the faculty, staff and students at the School of Nursing.”

Date Posted: 07/15/2008