RIP: LBJ Speechwriter Harry Middleton dies at 95

Harry Middleton, former LBJ speechwriter, presidential library director dies at 95

Harry J. Middleton, who tended the legacy of former President Lyndon B. Johnson as director of his presidential library and museum for more than 30 years, died Friday at the age of 95.

Lady Bird Johnson once called Middleton “the heart and soul of the library,” and said the late president “would beam with pleasure” that Middleton succeeded in making his presidential library a living institution.

“He has made the LBJ Library a forum for presentation, opinion, dialogue and disagreement, which was the concept given to him by President Johnson,” said Larry Temple, who was special counsel to LBJ.

Reflecting on his years as the library’s director and his service to President Johnson, Middleton said in 1990 “At some point I just realized I was having an awfully good time. I don’t think I ever had the illusion that I was doing something terribly important. But it is a service to the people of Texas and indeed the cause of scholarship in the country.”

In 1993, Middleton oversaw the release of transcripts of 275 telephone conversations recorded in the Oval Office at Johnson’s behest in late November and December 1963 - the first weeks of the Johnson presidency following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

Johnson was “a man uniquely attuned to the telephone,” Middleton said at the time of their release.

LBJ scholars said the transcripts provide a unique view of Johnson that does not emerge from his presidential papers.

In 1992, Middleton received the Anti-Defamation League’s Torch of Liberty Award for devoted leadership and service in preserving liberty, counteracting bigotry and advancing the cause of human rights.

Middleton was born in Centerville, Iowa, on Oct. 24, 1921. Following two years of study at Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas, from 1941-1943, he enlisted in the U. S. Army during World War II, serving from 1943-1946, beginning as a private and leaving the service as a sergeant.

Later, Middleton served as an officer in the Korean War from 1951-1953, retiring as a captain. He completed his education at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, earning a degree in journalism. In 1986, LSU’s Manship School of Mass Communication inducted him into the School Hall of Fame for distinguished alumni.

During his career as a professional writer, Middleton worked as a reporter for the Associated Press and news editor for Architectural Forum and published stories in Reader’s Digest, Sports Illustrated, Collier’s, Cosmopolitan, and Life.

Middleton met Lyndon Johnson in 1966 while writing a report for a presidential commission on the selective service and was later offered a job in the White House. From January 1967 until January 1969, he served as a staff assistant, writing speeches for the president and drafting messages to Congress delineating need for new legislation.

He was an aide to Johnson both in the White House and during his final years at the LBJ Ranch.

A self-proclaimed Johnson loyalist, Middleton was a close friend and confident of the 36th president during their 23-year association.

Middleton was the author of numerous articles, stories and books including: a 271-page pictorial account of LBJ’s White House years entitled LBJ: The White House Years; and The Compact History of the Korean War.

Middleton is survived by four children, Susan Hoyle of Washington, D. C.; Deborah Sansom and James Middleton of Austin, Texas; and Jennifer O’Dell of Buda; and four grandchildren – Joshua Hoyle, Monica O’Dell Shields, Lindsay O’Dell, and Reed O’Dell. Middleton’s wife, Miriam, died in 2004.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Harry Middleton Fellowships in Presidential Studies which awards grants to scholars researching Presidential policy. The Fellowships are managed by the LBJ Foundation, 2313 Red River Street, Austin, Texas, 78705.

A memorial service honoring Harry Middleton will be held at the LBJ Presidential Library. The date is pending.

http://www.statesman.com/news/local/harry-middleton-former-lbj-speechwriter-presidential-library-director-dies/f4sXpcFH8ByX8hL6ydNXkM/