Steger, William Merritt Born August 22, 1920, in Dallas, TX Died June 4, 2006, in Tyler, TX Federal Judicial Service: Judge, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas Nominated by Richard M. Nixon on October 7, 1970, to a new seat authorized by 84 Stat. 294. Confirmed by the Senate on November 25, 1970, and received commission on December 1, 1970. Assumed senior status on December 31, 1987. Service terminated on June 4, 2006, due to death. Education: Southern Methodist University School of Law, LL.B., 1950 Professional Career: U.S. Army captain, Air Corps, 1942-1947 Private practice, Longview, Texas, 1951-1953 U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Texas, 1953-1959 Private practice, Tyler, Texas, 1959-1970 Republican candidate for governor, Texas, 1960 Republican candidate for U.S. House of Representatives from Texas, 1962 Chairman, Republican Party of Texas, 1969-1970