Bob Deuell

Bob Deuell, MD (born 11 March 1950)^[1] is a conservative Republican member of the Texas Senate, representing the 10 counties of Senate District 2 in Northeast Texas, since 2003. He was educated at George Mason University and the Medical College of Virginia in order to become a family physician. Deuell is a partner in Primary Care Associates of Greenville, Texas, and is a member of the American Medical Association and Texas Medical Association. He is Board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine.

Highlights of recent legislation

During the Seventy-ninth Texas Legislature, Deuell passed legislation that will ensure firefighters and other first responders who contract diseases in the line of duty receive the benefits they deserve (Senate Bill 310), created a statewide stroke emergency plan with the Texas Stroke Act (Senate Bill 330), authorized a medical dispatch program for rural areas (Senate Bill 523) and set up a Medicaid buy-in program for the working disabled (Senate Bill 565). Deuell also worked to ensure passage of bills dealing with issues such as education, transportation, lawsuit reform and family issues.

In the Eightieth Texas Legislature Senator Deuell was tapped by Lt. Governor David Dewhurst to carry Jessica's Law legislation, aimed at protecting society's most vulnerable population from child predators. Governor Rick Perry signed this bill into law on July 17, 2007. Deuell also worked to advance issues as diverse as Medicaid reform and incentives programs to attract film and television production to Texas.

For his work in this Session, Deuell was named as one of Texas Monthly's Ten Best Legislators.

Honors

From early on in his legislative career Deuell received widespread recognition for his service through awards and accolades such as the “Fighter for Free Enterprise Award,” from the Texas Association of Business, the “CLEAT Legislative Award” from the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas, being named “Outstanding Senator”' by the Texas State Association of Fire Fighters, receipt of the “Patient Advocacy Award” from the Texas Academy of Family Physicians, being named “Freshman Senator of the Year” by the Texas Young Republican Federation, and receiving an “A++” rating from the Texas Right to Life Committee. In addition, Deuell was honored with the “Patiente Protectorate Award’ and was named one of “Texas Medicine’s Best” by the Texas Medical Association.

• In February 2005 Deuell was honored by Goodwill Industries of Texas for advocacy in support of Texans with disabilities. The “Goodwill Distinguished Service Award,” the first of its kind to be awarded to a member of the Texas Legislature, is presented for “exemplary service and outstanding advocacy on behalf of persons with disabilities.”

• Following the conclusion of the 79th Legislative Session, Deuell received the American Heart Association's “Heart of Honor” award for contributions in reducing the death and disability of heart disease and stroke in Texas. The “Heart of Honor” is the top honor given by the American Heart Association.

• In July 2005 Deuell received the “Legislative Crimefighter of the Year” Award from the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas for his work on behalf of the law enforcement community in the 79th Legislature.

• Following the 80th Legislature, Sen. Deuell was named as a "key legislator" of the Session by Texas Propane, the magazine of the Texas Propane Gas Association.

Currently

Deuell serves on the Senate Finance, Natural Resources and Criminal Justice Committees and is Vice-Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee.

In addition, Deuell was selected by Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst to serve on the Senate Select Committee on Water Policy, and also serves as a Vice-Chair of the Rural Caucus.

Deuell and his wife Marilyn reside in Greenville and have three children: Paul, Brian and Jennifer.

Trivia

• Before entering medical school in the late 1970s, Deuell enjoyed a career as a professional drummer and played behind such disparate artists as Ike & Tina Turner and Bob Hope. He sat in with the veteran Western Swing band Asleep at the Wheel at an inaugural ball for George W. Bush in January 2005.
• While much of his time today is taken up by his official duties and his medical practice, Deuell still plays the drums whenever asked for charitable events. In addition, his appreciation for music is such that he is known as the “Senator for Texas Music” because of legislation authored such as Senate Resolution 292, which made March 3, 2005 “Bob Wills Day” at the Texas Capitol, and Senate Bill 1100 which would have created the "Texas Music History Tour" to promote Texas Tourism and the state's rich musical heritage.
• Deuell was inspired to enter public service by his great admiration for former President Ronald Reagan.
• Deuell's first introduction to elected office was as a member of the Greenville School Board.
• Deull currently plays drums for a small worship band at Aldersgate Church in Greenville.

Election History

Most recent elections

2006

Previous elections

2002

2000

References