Family pastor remembers President George H.W. Bush's legacy

HOUSTON (FOX 26) - Reverend Dr. Russell Levenson has been the Bush family pastor for nearly a dozen years, and says he was honored to be their spiritual leader. "It has been a tremendous privilege and honor," said Levenson, Reverend of St. Martin's Episcopal Church. Dr. Levenson was in the room with family and close friends when the President passed.

He says President Bush's  transition was peaceful and came after expressions of love from former President George W Bush and many other family members. “It was peaceful beginning of his new life…and that is certainly what he believed," said Levenson.  Levenson said that Bush was always thoughtful and kind to those who came to see him. “He would thank people who would come to see him," said Levenson.  He added that Bush and James Baker had a strong friendship. "James Baker was his closest friend outside of family friends," said Levenson.

Monday Pastor Levenson will accompany the President's casket to Washington and will have a brief part in the ceremony at the National Cathedral. Then on Wednesday, he returns for a private funeral service here in Houston, after which Houstonians and others will have the chance to pay their final respects. Then, the president will be taken by customized train to College Station for interment at the presidential library named after him.