By Dawn Burleigh

State Representative Dade Phelan, in a tweet, announced the passing of Mike “Tuffy” Hamilton on Friday morning:

Mike Hamilton passed away early Friday morning. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers. Services are pending.

Mike was affectionately known as Tuffy Hamilton as he owned the restaurant Tuffy’s in Mauriceville from 1990 – 2005. He was also a former Texas State Representative.

Hamilton was elected to office in 2002.

Hamilton is a well-known individual in Orange County.