MIDLAND, TX (KWES) - The death of former president George H. W. Bush on Friday night impacted the West Texas area greatly.
The Bush family is a critical part of the Permian Basin’s history and the loss of the 41st president was a personal one to many area residents.
“The impact they have had on our community has been amazing over the years and we always enjoy having them back in Midland, have them revisit their homestead” Rebecca Linehan said. "So, losing a member of the Bush family is like losing a member of our family.”
Many across the nation reacted to the death of former president H. W. Bush. This included former president Obama, who also noted efforts in Midland as being one of Bush’s greatest achievements.
“I had read President Obama’s really nice memorial to George Bush and one of the things that really jumped out at me is that George Bush had told President Obama that his greatest accomplishment was helping found the Y-M-C-A in Midland,” Greta Baker said.
Though the loss has hit home for many in the Permian Basin, the country as a whole is mourning.
"It’s just a sad time for all of the country,” Marshall Allen said.