Glenn Elliott: A Ranger*s Ranger

Glenn Elliott was a Texas Ranger from 1961-1987. He was descripted by world-renowned author and radio personality, Paul Harvey, on his radio program on August 26, 1987 (The day Glenn retired): "I don't know what you know about the Texas Rangers, but they are an elite corp of lawmen. Repected at all levels of law enforcement and revered in their home state. And if you had to pick one to represent the best of the best, that one would be Ranger Glenn Elliott."

Glenn Elliott was born in Texas on August 1, 1926, on a small farm in Fannin County. Glenn began his life as a law officer during World War II. He entered the Army in 1944, where he served in the Philippine Islands as an MP. After the war, Glenn began a distinguished thirty-eight-year career with the Texas Department of Public Safety. Glenn served as a Highway Patrolman stationed in Longview until October 8, 1961, when he became a Texas Ranger stationed in the Longview-Marshall area.

During his illustrious career, Glenn has shaken the hand of every president from Harry Truman through George Bush. Governors, senators, representatives, nationally known celebrities, fellow law officers, and citizens are proud to call Glenn their friend.

On August 31, 1987, Glenn retired. On a ranch east of Marshall, Texas, his retirement party attended by over four hundred. He now spends his time tending his farm at the home place in Windom, promoting his autobiography, A Ranger’s Ranger, giving speeches, and meeting with friends.

Robert Nieman was born in McLeansboro, Illinois. He graduated from high school in Martin, Tennessee, and attended the University of Tennessee at Martin. Robert and his wife Donna have lived in Longview since 1978.

Robert’s hobby is oral history and as such was given the high honor of being named the oral historian for the retired Texas Rangers.

Robert is an honorary member of the Former Texas Rangers Association and proudly serves on the board of directors of the Texas Ranger Association Foundation and the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame Museum and Research Center.

Robert is also the editor of the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame & Museum on-line Texas Ranger History history magazine, THE DISPATCH.

He has also recorded many hours with survivors of the terrible New London School Explosion of 1937 in which over 300 people—mostly children—were killed. He proudly serves on the board of directors of the New London Museum.