Chris V. Semos

Chris Victor Semos was a dedicated public servant, successful businessman and constant advocate for Dallas public schools.

\A Dallas native, Semos chose his hometown as the place to raise a family and build a family business. His family owned and operated The Torch Restaurant in Oak Cliff for three decades.
In 1966 Semos was elected to the Texas Legislature, and voters re-elected him to serve a total of 16 years. At the Legislature, he grew to be known as the Dean of the Dallas Delegation.
Following his eight terms in the Legislature, in 1982 voters elected him as Dallas County Commissioner. He served in that position until 1994.

Instrumental in the planning of the Texas Sesquicentennial, Semos was, in fact, considered Father of the Texas year-long commemoration. He earned that recognition for his effort shepherding a full year of highly successful events celebrating Texas’ unique heritage. Along the way, he authored the legislation that enabled the Texas Sesquicentennial celebration. Then, at the request of the Governor, he served as chair of the event.

Civic service was second nature to Semos. He led and contributed his vision to such notable organizations as United Way, Dallas Community of Churches, Baylor College of Dentistry, National Conference of Christians and Jews, Dallas Family Hospital, Dallas Historical Society, Northwood University and many others.

In recognition, his community honored Semos with the top civic awards for service from organizations such as Dallas Baptist University, LULAC, North Central Texas Council of Governments, Texas Restaurant Association, Scottish Rite Hospital, the Dallas Assembly and The Greek Orthodox Church.

Before his death in 2004, he was named humanitarian of the year by the Oak Cliff Lions Club.
It is fitting that Chris Semos’ name be associated with DISD and Rosemont Elementary. His widow, Anastasia (“Tasie”) Semos, was a district teacher, and their three daughters attended Rosemont and graduated from Dallas public schools.