Governor Thomas Felix Bolack

THOMAS F. BOLACK was born in Cowley County, Kansas, on May 18, 1918. His education was attained through correspondence courses, as well as in the public schools of his native state. Bolack became a successful businessman, with holdings in the oil and gas industries. He also owned the Albuquerque Dukes professional baseball team, as well as creating a sizeable wildlife museum. Bolack first entered politics in 1952, serving as mayor of Farmington, a position he held two years. He also served as a member of the New Mexico House of Representatives from 1956 to 1958; was a member of the U.S. Assay Commission from 1958 to 1959; and served as the lieutenant governor of New Mexico from 1960 to 1962. On November 30, 1962 Governor Edwin L. Mechem resigned from office, and Bolack, who was the lieutenant governor at the time, assumed the duties of the governorship. He served in this capacity until January 1, 1963, after which he retired from political life. He continued to stay active in his various business investments. Governor Thomas F. Bolack became wheelchair-bound after suffering a stroke in 1985, and passed away on May 20, 1998.