One of the more distinguished sports writers in Dallas-Fort Worth history has passed away.
Frank Luksa, who covered the Cowboys in some capacity for the first 40 years of the team's existence, died early Tuesday morning at the age of 77. Luksa had triple heart-bypass surgery back in August but has been in and out of the hospital in the last few weeks.
Luksa worked for the Fort Worth Press, Fort Worth Star-Telegram and Dallas Times Herald before finishing his career with The Dallas Morning News from 1992 until he retired in 2004. Luksa also had an occasional column for ESPN Dallas in the last few years.
"As I got to know Frank well through the years, I admired his skill and his perspective," said owner Jerry Jones. "He had an instinctive understanding of why sports was important to people in Texas, and he touched millions with his wit and wisdom."
In January of 2010, Luksa was presented with the Blackie Sherrod Award, along with Pat Summerall and Dan Jenkins for their successful journalistic careers covering the Cowboys and pro football. Luksa also earned the Dick McCann Memorial Award in 1992, presented by the Pro Football Writers of America.
"Frank was someone you had to read every day," Jones said. "In the early days, I remember we didn't always like what he had to say, but we paid attention to his criticism, because we knew he had great knowledge and influence."
Luksa is survived by his wife, Henrietta, daughters Elise Daniel and Laura McMillin, and five grandchildren.
