Lawrence Clifton Elliott

Aviation pioneer Lawrence C. Elliot was born in Greenville, Texas. During high school, Elliott exhibited early aviation talent when he built an experimental airplane. He attended Texas A&M University, participating in the Reserve Officers Training Corps. After graduating in 1924, Elliott was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army Air Corps and trained at Brooks Field and Kelly Field in San Antonio. He earned awards in air races and became a U.S. Army flight Instructor.

In 1928, Elliot began a 35-year career with the Aeronautics Branch of the U.S. Department of Commerce (Later the Civil Aeronautics Administration). Stationed at Southwest Regional Headquarters in Fort Worth for 25 years, he was instrumental in marking domestic flight routes, developing weather communication broadcast techniques, establishing standards for airplane maintenance and inspection, and recommending air facility safety modifications. During World War II, Elliott was regional manager of the U.S. Civil Aviation System. He received awards for exceptional service and impact on international aviation in 1953. Elliott was married to Mildred Leonhart Reiter (d. 1963). Their former home at 3 Chase Court was designated a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1983.

(1991).