Charles Larry Bales

BALES, CHARLES LARRY (1940 ~ 1993). The following is a Houston Chronicle obituary for former Texas House member Larry Bales.

AUSTIN -- Former State Rep. Larry Bales of Austin, who played a key role in writing ethics legislation in the wake of the Sharpstown scandal in the early 1970s, died Friday at his home.

The lawyer and businessman was 53. The cause of death was not disclosed.

Bales was the operator of the historic Scholz Garten in Austin.

He also was assigned to the Crime Victims Compensation Division of the attorney general's office.

Elected to the House in 1972, Bales was chosen by then-Speaker Price Daniel Jr. to co-sponsor an ethics code for elected officials.

That bill required elected officials to disclose publicly their financial holdings.

In the Sharpstown scandal, several lawmakers were implicated in passing legislation favorable to a bank in return for stock.

Bales gave up his House seat after one term and did not seek elected political office again after losing a primary race against U.S. Rep. J.J. "Jake" Pickle of Austin in 1976.

Bales is survived by his mother, Lila Bales; a son, David Bales; a sister, Nancy Holt, all of Austin; and a daughter, Stacy Lynn Bales of Atlanta.

Services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday at Wilke-Amey-Clay Funeral Home in Austin.