Class Notes

Allan Graber passed away on April 15, 2023. A double Longhorn, Graber had a 60-year career as an attorney and CPA and worked in his own private practice for more than 40 years.

James Perkins and his wife Margaret have been awarded the 2023 Texas Higher Education Distinguished Service Award. They were nominated for their establishment of the James I Perkins Family Foundation, which embodies the Perkins’ ongoing support for higher education. He has been president of Citizens 1st Bank since 1971.

The late Ruben W. Hope, Jr. has been honored by Conroe ISD which dedicated its newest elementary school in his name, Ruben W. Hope, Jr. Elementary School. In 1996, Hope was elected to the Conroe ISD Board of Trustees. During his time on the Board, he held the position of trustee and vice president. In 1999, Hope also served his community as State Representative between 1999 and 2006. During his career, Hope tried over 200 cases to jury verdicts and handled appeals before the Texas Supreme Court. He passed away in 2015.

Cecil Augustus “C.A.” Edwards, Jr. was born in Phoenix, Arizona 89 years ago and died Feb. 3, 2021. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland and was commissioned into the United States Marine Corps to serve abroad, flying fighter jets from aircraft carriers. After leaving the service Edwards earned his JD from the University of Texas School of Law, at which point he returned to Phoenix for good. He practiced law in Arizona for over 50 years, primarily representing injured workers with claims before the Industrial Commission.

Jimmie B. Todd, 82, of Odessa died on Sept. 1, 2020 following a brief illness. Todd was the founding attorney and President of Todd, Barron, Thomason, Hudman & Bebout, P.C., where he continued to practice law and served as the managing partner. He was heavily involved in community service; Todd assisted in securing The University of Texas of the Permian Basin for Odessa. He helped establish the Village Place Charitable Trust and served as a Trustee of that Trust until its dissolution. Todd also served as a Director of the State and Western National Banks, and as President of E. L. Farmer & Company. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to First Baptist Church Building Fund. Visit frankwwilson.com to leave online condolences.

David Nathan Gray, age 81, died on Aug. 25, 2020, as a result of old age. David was a sixth-generation Texan. Born and educated in Beaumont, David graduated from The University of Texas School of Law in 1963 and was a member of Phi Delta Phi. David was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army, where he served for three years with the Judge Advocate General Corp. In 1967, David started his law practice with Minter & Mahon, which later made him a named partner. In 1984, David became partners with Roy W. Moore, practicing under the name of Gray & Moore until he retired in 2007. He spent his spare time as a youth league and high school baseball umpire.

Austin native John W. Fainter passed away at 81 on August 29, 2020. Fainter was a double longhorn, receiving his B.A. in 1962 and graduated from Texas Law in 1963. His career of service to the State of Texas lasted over 50 years. Fainter has served the state as First Assistant Attorney General, Secretary of State, and Chief of Staff to Governor Ann Richards. He has been Chairman to numerous state committees and worked closely with the University of Texas through serving on various university boards and councils.
In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to the John W. Fainter, Jr. Plan II Scholarship, The University of Texas, PO Box 7458, Austin, TX 78713.

The law firm of Thompson & Knight LLPis pleased to congratulate Mike McCullough for his inclusion in D Magazine’s “Best Lawyers in Dallas 2016,” which is featured in the magazine’s May issue.