The man boosted the careers of many Houston politicians and developed many of the city's suburbs died at his Houston home Sunday. He was 83.

It was Mischer who urged the Texas Legislature to approve legislation allowing creation of municipal utility districts. Such districts allow unincorporated areas to provide many public services -- such as water and sewer service -- previously provided only by cities and towns.

That allowed the rapid expansion of suburban development in unincorporated areas of Harris County around Houston.

The son of a Karnes County sheriff who was shot to death in 1934 during the Depression also helped bankroll the campaigns of a host of star politicians. They ranged from presidents Lyndon Johnson and George Bush and Senator Lloyd Bentsen to U-S representatives Barbara Jordan and Mickey Leland.

Survivors include his wife, a son and daughter and two sisters. The memorial will be at Chapelwood United Methodist Church in Houston.