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In Memoriam

H. Dustin Fillmore, Sr.

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H. Dustin Fillmore, Sr. passed away on November 11, 2020 as a result of pancreatic cancer. In 1957, he began his service as an Assistant District Attorney in Dallas County under famed District Attorney Henry Wade. Fillmore returned to Wichita Falls to join his father’s law firm in 1960. From there, he launched what would become a 42-year career as a civil trial lawyer, representing clients and trying cases in civil courts all over Texas. Fillmore was inducted into The American College of Trial Lawyers and The American Board of Trial Advocates. In 2005, the Tarrant County Bar Association awarded Dusty its prestigious Blackstone Award.

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Dewey Jude Gonsoulin

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Dewey Jude Gonsoulin passed away peacefully in his home at age 90 on November 3, 2020, surrounded by family. After graduating from Texas Law, he served in the U.S. Army Medical Service Corps and was honorably discharged as a First Lieutenant. Gonsoulin returned to Texas and practiced as an attorney at the Beaumont law firm of Mehaffy Weber for over 60 years. Gonsoulin was certified in labor law in 1975 and later in civil appellate law in 1989. He served as President of the Texas Associate of Defense Counsel, and the Jefferson County Bar Association, where he was also awarded the Blackstone Award. Memorial contributions may be made to the Dewey Jude Gonsoulin, Sr. Endowment for Excellence Scholarship in Law at Texas Law.

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William L. Cotulla

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William Lawrence Cotulla passed away in San Antonio, Texas, on Oct. 19, 2020, at the age of 84. Cotulla was very proud and passionate about his heritage as the great-grandson of Joseph Cotulla, a Polish immigrant who founded the town of Cotulla. He took pride in living in Cotulla and serving his community. Cotulla was an attorney for the United States Army, oversaw multiple family ranches, and was the director of the Stockmens National Bank for 25 years. In 2011, he established the William L. Cotulla Endowment with the Laredo Area Community Foundation to benefit the First Baptist Church.

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Larry D. Thompson

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A life brilliantly lived, Houston famed trial attorney and renowned author, Lawrence Duncan Thompson, “Larry”, died leaving a legacy of greatness for his loved ones to embrace. He and his cousin Tom formed the law firm Lorance and Thompson in Houston in 1970, where Thompson practiced for over 55 years. He led the firm through good times and hard times with a firm hand, compassionate heart and enthusiasm for the law. He finished the Boston marathon twice as well as numerous other marathons across the country. Most of all he was full of enthusiasm for life, compassion for all and grace in all endeavors.

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Arthur C. Troilo, Jr.

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Arthur C. Troilo, Jr. was born in San Antonio, Texas on Sept. 17, 1931, and passed away on Oct. 8, 2020, at the age of 89. After serving in the Army and Reserve, Troilo moved his family to Austin to earn his law degree. In 1962, he joined the law firm of Sawtelle, Hardy, Davis & Goode and was one of the founders of the firm, Sawtelle, Goode, Troilo & Leighton, which later became the Law Firm of Davidson & Troilo; now known as Davidson, Troilo, Ream & Garza. He served as managing partner and senior board chairman; and was Senior Counsel for Davidson, Troilo, Ream & Garza until his death.

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Old Portrait of Louis Palma McKee Whittenburg

Louis Whittenburg

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Louis Palma McKee Whittenburg passed away October 19, 2020, at the age of 74 from complications of Parkinson’s. Whittenburg obtained his JD from Texas Law in 1970 where he was editor of the Law Review. He practiced law in Amarillo, Texas for nearly 49 years alongside his brother, George Allen Whittenburg, II. The family asks in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation (parkinson.org) or the charity of your choice.

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Old Portrait of Benjamin Bynum Turner, Jr.

Benjamin Turner

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Benjamin Bynum Turner, Jr. passed away on October 16, 2020. Between his undergrad at Rice and Texas Law, he spent three years on active duty with the U.S. Navy. Following active duty, Turner spent 18 years in the reserve and retired as a Captain. Turner practiced law for over 50 years, was board certified in Estate Planning and Probate Law, and a C.P.A. At various times he was a Trustee member of the Board of Governors for the Sewanee Military Academy, a Trustee member of the Board of Directors for the Harris County Heritage Society, and President of the Houston Chapter of the Archeological Institute of America. Any memorials in Turner’s honor are requested to be made to the St. Andrews-Sewanee School, 290 Quintard Road, Sewanee, TN 37375.

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Debra Yaniko Rogers Dupont

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Debra Yaniko Rogers Dupont passed away on May 9, 2017, at her home in Aledo. Her legal career began with the Supreme Court of Texas, Austin as a Judicial Intern and as an Associate for Loe, Warren, Rosenfield, Kaitcher & Hibbs in Fort Worth. Rogers then worked as Assistant District Attorney for Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney’s Office; Volunteer Attorney for Immigration Services for the Catholic Charities Diocese of Fort Worth; Adjunct Professor in Business Law at Weatherford College, Rogers LLP in Weatherford; and her own private practice as Attorney at Law in Aledo. Rogers was awarded the Eldon B. Mahon Inn of Court.

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Hon. Harold Raymond DeMoss, Jr.

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Harold Raymond DeMoss, Jr. passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on April 29, 2020 in Houston, at the age of 89. DeMoss was stationed at the Pentagon with the Army’s Judge Advocate General’s Corps. After his discharge, DeMoss and his wife moved to Houston where he joined the Bracewell & Patterson law firm. DeMoss’s second career began in 1991 with his appointment to U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals by President George H.W. Bush. In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests that memorial contributions be directed to The Judge Harold R. DeMoss, Jr. Endowed Scholarship in Law for Constitutional Excellence, c/o The University of Texas Law School Foundation, 727 E. Dean Keeton Street, Austin, TX 78705.

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Paul Herve Dionne

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Paul Herve Dionne died peacefully with his family by his side in Fort Stockton on Sept. 14, 2020. He received his J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law in 1959. Dionne served in the US Army Counterintelligence Corps during the Korean War. He practiced Law in Fort Stockton for over 60 years in both private and community capacities. Upon retirement from general practice, he adopted the Pecos County State Bank as his “work family.” In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to the charity of your choice.

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Hon. Reagan Helm

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Hon. Reagan Cartwright Helm died peacefully on Aug. 24, 2020, surrounded by his loving family and caregivers at their family cabin in Estes Park, Colorado. Helm was a double Longhorn. After graduating from Texas Law, he entered the FBI and served in Denver and New York City. Helm then owned and operated the first BMW dealership in Houston, where he won several BMW North America Dealer of the Year Awards. He went on to own Galleria Area Ford. In 1994, Helms was elected Judge of Harris County Criminal Court #1, where he served until is retirement in 2010. Those wishing to make a contribution in Helm’s memory may donate to St. John’s School or The Rocky Mountain Conservancy in Estes Park, CO.

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Steven Paul Boney

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Steven Paul Boney passed away surrounded by his family on May 25, 2020. He was a double Longhorn and a proud Austinite for more than 50 years. For 44 years, Boney served as a criminal defense attorney. He was a regular volunteer for Legal Aid in Austin, constantly committed to helping others in need. In lieu of flowers or other remembrances, donations may be made in Boney’s name to the ALS Association of Texas.

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Thomas Greene III

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Thomas Baker Greene III passed away on March 10, 2020. Greene spent many years as a successful litigator. He was a partner at the firms of Crain, Winters, Deaton, James & Briggs (now Crain Caton & James); Ware, Snow, Fogel, Jackson & Greene; and Kajander & Greene. Greene spent his final years as a solo practitioner. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Rice University, Office of Development MS-81, P. O. Box 1892, Houston, TX 77251-1892 or Main Street Theater, 2540 Times Blvd., Houston, TX 77005.

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John R. Locke, Jr.

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John R. Locke, Jr. died on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020, at age 96. Locke is a double Longhorn. After getting his undergraduate degree, he volunteered for pilot training in the U.S. Army Air Force. Upon graduation from Texas Law, Locke first practiced as an United States Attorney for the Western District of Texas. In 1950, he joined his father’s law firm Kelso, Locke & King, which later became Groce, Locke & Hebdon. Locke served on the Board of Directors of Cullen Frost and was a member of numerous civic and social organizations. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Texas Cavaliers Charitable Foundation, 1250 NE Loop 410, Suite 234, San Antonio, TX 78209.

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Timothy William Johnson

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Timothy William Johnson, age 67, passed away on Sept. 9, 2020, at his home in Atlanta, Georgia, after a long illness. After graduating, Johnson joined the Atlanta law firm of Smith, Currie & Hancock, where he became a partner. He opened his own specialized labor and employment law firms: Crenshaw & Johnson and Johnson, Matte & Hobgood. Later, Johnson joined Coca-Cola Enterprises as Vice President of Labor Relations until his retirement in 2007. He returned to Smith Currie in an “of counsel” role until his illness forced him to fully retire in 2015. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Holy Spirit Catholic Church, The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, or the Farber Fund at University of South Dakota.

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Ronald R. Calhoun

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Ronald R. Calhoun passed away on Aug. 29, 2020, in Albuquerque, NM. Calhoun graduated from Texas Law in 1958. He never worked for anyone else, establishing his career as an attorney in El Paso until he retired in 2000. Calhoun loved to travel, visiting more than 80 countries in his lifetime. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, (donate3.cancer.org).

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Jimmie B. Todd

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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.

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Donald L. Gaffney

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Donald L. Gaffney, age 68, died peacefully in his sleep on Sept. 3, 2020, at his home in Phoenix, Arizona after a multi-year battle with cancer. He joined Snell & Wilmer L.L.P. in 1989, where he was the leader of the firm’s Bankruptcy Group for over 25 years. His professional recognitions include The Best Lawyers in America, Lawyer of the Year, and many, many more. In 2018, Gaffney was presented the State Bar of Arizona Bankruptcy Section Pro Bono Superhero Award. He was also active in many associations, including the Federal Bar Association, Phoenix Chapter where he was President from 2015-2016 and the Texas Law Executive Council of Alumni Association. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to The Phoenix Symphony.

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Hon. Joseph Bonner Dorsey

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Hon. Joseph Bonner Dorsey died on Aug. 27, 2020, at home surrounded by loving family members. After Texas Law, he served as an ROTC officer, deployed to Vietnam during 1969. He was later loaned to the Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps of the United States Army. For his service, the U.S. Army awarded Dorsey with many medals and released him at the rank of Major. After serving in Vietnam, he returned home to Corpus Christi, where he continued to serve in the Army Reserves, working as a criminal defense attorney and raising his family. Following retirement, Dorsey travelled across South Texas serving as a “Visiting Judge”. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either: Mother Teresa’s Shelter or KEDT-Public Broadcasting System.

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Sam D. Sparks

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Noted trial lawyer Sam D. Sparks of San Angelo died Aug. 31, 2020, following a heroic battle with Pancreatic cancer. Sparks had been a partner in the law firm of Webb, Stokes & Sparks, LLP since 1972. He was a member of the State Bar of Texas, American Bar Association, American Board of Trial Advocates and the Texas Trial Lawyers Association where he served as a Director for many years. Sparks was considered to be a passionate advocate for his clients and active within his own community.

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C. Fielding Early, Jr.

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C. Fielding Early Jr. passed away Aug. 7, 2020. He was a double Longhorn, earning his undergraduate and law degrees from The University of Texas at Ausin. Fielding worked at Texaco in Houston and several state agencies in Austin. He loved to travel and spending time on the family ranch in Brownwood, TX. Those who wish to leave a remembrance of Fielding or express condolences are encouraged to do so at the link below.

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Portrait of James Neel

James M.Neel

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James Merrill Neel passed away on July 1, 2020 in Houston, Texas, at the age of 82. Neel started his law career at Baker Botts in 1962 where he worked until he left to be the founding partner in Houston’s first boutique labor law firm in 1972. In 2007, he made the change to a solo practice at Neel Interests and continued to represent his clients for several years. Neel continued to contribute to the legal profession by teaching Title VII litigation at the University of Houston, wrote and lectured at many Continuing Legal Education seminars across the country, was a contributing co-author of the Texas Association of business Employment law Handbook, and served as chairman of the Section of Labor and Employment Law for the State Bar of Texas.

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Gerald Shur

Gerald Shur

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Gerald Shur ’57, trailblazing attorney and architect of the Witness Security Program (WITSEC), has passed away at 86. Shur served 34 years in the Justice Department and was instrumental in the creation and administration of the Witness Protection Program which has, “led to the conviction and incarceration of 10,000 very serious criminals.”

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David N. Gray '63

David N. Gray

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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.

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John Wells Fainter

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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, 1 University Station, Mail Stop A3000, Austin, TX 78712.

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Robert Manley Parker

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Robert Parker passed away at 82 on August 27, 2020, surrounded by his family. Parker is a double longhorn, receiving a BBA in 1961 and graduating from Texas Law in 1964. After law school, Parker started his illustrious career as a trial lawyer and judge, serving as Chief Judge the Eastern District of Texas and eventually being appointed by President Bill Clinton as Circuit Judge on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. He received numerous accolades in his lifetime, particularly meaningful among these were the Judge Robert M. Parker Endowed Presidential Scholarship and the Judge Robert M. Parker Endowed Chair in Law at the University of Texas Law School, and the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Texas School of Law Alumni Association.

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Derrik Juarez

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Derrick Juarez passed away this weekend at age 43, after fighting a long battle of COVID-19. Juarez was a hard-working lawyer in Brownsville, Texas who practiced criminal, family, and juvenile law. Juarez was among only a handful of UTB/TSC students to be accepted and graduate from Texas Law. He attended law school while his wife and children stayed in the Valley, which pushed him to have a greater determination to pursue his goal of having a career in law. Juarez helped influence students who came to Texas Law after him from Brownsville and the Rio Grande Valley.

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William Blanks Hilgers

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William Hilgers passed peacefully at 95 on July 17, 2020. Hilgers served as a bombardier navigator in the Army Air Corp in Belgium at only 18 years old. Hilgers returned to the University of Texas to study accounting and law. After opening up an accounting firm with his father Harry, he began a sixty-five-year career as a lawyer with an emphasis on corporate, tax, and estate planning. In 1977, Hilgers founded the law firm, Hilgers & Watkins. Hilgers served as chair of both the Travis County and the Texas Bar Association. He was a founding director of the Texas Center for Legal Ethics and Professionalism. Recently, the Austin Bar Association named their new building, “Hilgers House”.

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Gary Bushell

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Gary Bushell passed away at 78 on July 15, 2020, as a result of complications from a spinal cord injury, which occurred in a fall in December. He graduated from Texas Law in 1967. After law school, Gary chose to join the Marine Corps, where he was trained as an infantry officer and judge advocate general. He served in Viet Nam (1969-70) as a defense attorney, prosecuting attorney, and military judge. Gary first worked as Legislative Assistant to U.S. Senator Lloyd Bentsen, then as Senator Bentsen’s chief of staff, overseeing both the Washington and Texas offices. After 8 years in Washington, Gary and his wife Linda moved to Corpus Cristi, where he practiced oil and gas law and was actively involved in the community’s economic development.

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Michael Patrick Finn

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Michael Patrick Finn (Mike), 66, of Belton, Texas, passed away on July 5, 2020 surrounded by family after a short battle with a rare and aggressive cancer. Finn earned his juris doctorate from the University of Texas at Austin in 1981. At Texas Law, he met his wife Amy Finn through the luck of alphabetical seating in one of their classes. After graduating law school, he became a member of the State Bar of Texas and was commissioned a captain in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps and assigned to Fort Hood. Finn was committed to military service, serving for more than 40 years after retiring in 2014 as a colonel.

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Portrait of Barbara Finney

Barbara Hinds Finney

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Barbara Hinds Finney passed away peacefully at her home on July 2, 2020, at the age of 99. Finney graduated from the University of Texas at Austin and from UT Law School and was admitted to the Texas Bar in 1942. She had a long career as an attorney at the Humble Oil Company, later called ExxonMobil. Finney was a trailblazing female lawyer when there were so few.

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Kelvin Smith

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Kelvin Smith, an LBJ student and colleague, passed away. Smith was a talented MPAff student with many interests. He also was a veteran who served his country in the US Navy. Smith previously had received a JD in Law in 2011 from the University of Texas School of Law, and he worked for several years in the legal field. In 2016, Smith returned to the University to pursue his MPAff degree at the LBJ School, focusing on Earth and Energy Resources. After joining the LBJ School, Smith pursued his keen passion for cybersecurity issues, and he was working towards the Cyber Security Certification from the Strauss Center of International Law & Security.

Portrait of Thomas Alton Blakeley

Thomas Blakeley

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Thomas Alton Blakeley, Jr., a lifelong Dallas resident and attorney, died on March 31, 2020, at the age of 84. After graduation from Texas Law, Blakeley joined the practice of his father (T.A. Blakeley), his uncle (Alex Blakeley), and former U.S. Representative, Ralph Hall. A few years later, he began practicing with Robert C. Johnson, Sr. for 25 years. In addition to his civil trial practice, Blakeley was counsel for several Dallas cotton merchants including Reinhart, Inc., and, for several decades, H. Molsen, Co., owned by his best friend since elementary school, Heinz Henry Molsen, Jr.

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Colin Joseph Carl

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Submitted by brother, Carlton Carl: Colin Joseph (CJ) Carl, 76, died on March 22, 2020. He graduated from Harvard College magna cum laude (BA) and The University of Texas Law School (entered in class of 1968, but graduated later), after which he clerked for Federal District Judge William Wayne Justice. He served on the Opinions Committee in the Texas Attorney General’s Office and worked for other state agencies before retiring from the State a number of years ago.

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Carla Cox

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Carla Cox passed away November 29, 2019. Carla was a trusted and fearless lawyer on behalf of her clients, a leader at Jackson Walker, and a trailblazer for women in the legal profession. Carla’s commitment to elevating the legal profession, healthcare industry, and Austin community was demonstrated through her service as a member of the Leaders Circle at the University of Texas Center for Women in Law (CWIL), as well as her work with the Chancellor’s Council of the University of Texas System, among many other worthy causes. Among her many accolades was the Travis County Women Lawyers Association 2017 Pathfinder award, given to women lawyers who have been trailblazers in the legal profession in Travis County.

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Frank Garrettson Evans, III

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Frank Garrettson Evans, III ’51, retired Chief Justice of the Texas First Court of (Civil) Appeals passed away peacefully at his home, on November 9, 2019, at 91 years of age. He is indelibly recorded in Texas history for providing citizens with access to justice that improved the lives of countless people who never knew his name, yet benefited greatly from the conflict resolution methods that he pioneered and implemented, including mediation and arbitration. He became widely known as the “father of alternative dispute resolution,” because of his groundbreaking work developing conflict resolution processes and programs outside the usual legal system throughout Texas.

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William T. Allen

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William T. Allen, a renowned jurist, scholar and counselor, who helped establish the law governing the conduct of corporations through many landmark judicial decisions, has died at age 75. Appointed by Governor Mike Castle, Allen served as chancellor of the Delaware Court of Chancery from 1985 to 1997. Often under national scrutiny, Allen wrote hundreds of opinions related to corporate law. He is considered by peers as one of the most accomplished judges of his era.

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Fred Moore

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Fred Jones Moore, died peacefully August 11, 2019, at his home in Seguin, Texas. He was born June 12, 1929, in Bells Texas, to Fred and Lila (Jones) Moore. At UT, he also received a BBA and met and married his wife of 64 years, Catherine (Tsardoulias) Moore. After law school, Moore served in the United States Army, retiring as a full Colonel in 1974. He then opened a law practice in Seguin and served as a Guadalupe County Judge from 1983 to 1994, and as a visiting judge for many years later.

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F. Lee Duggan, Jr.

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F. Lee Duggan, Jr., Class of 1955, died on June 16, 2019 at age 87, surrounded by his family. He is remembered, not only for his incredible legacy of public service, but as a beloved patriarch. Duggan’s career spanned 6 decades, and included serving as a State Legislator, State Court of Appeals Justice, State District Judge, Assistant District Attorney and trial lawyer. A man of integrity, he strove to ensure that everyone was treated fairly under the law. Please see link to obituary.

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Paul Woodrow

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Paul Woodrow passed away in February 2018. A longtime resident of Barrington, Illinois, Paul was retired after a long career in Human Resources. He is survived by his wife, Christina, and their children, Katherine, Andrew and Aaron. A fuller obituary may be found online at the link below.

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Eric Lacktman

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After a long illness, Eric Lacktman passed away at 76 on May 13, 2019.

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Steven Dahl Thomas

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Steven Dahl Thomas passed away on June 21, 2018. Born August 25, 1952 in Lubbock, Texas, he was the oldest son of the late James Elbert Thomas and Joyce Dahl Thomas. He earned a bachelor’s degree from St. John’s College (SF74) and a law degree from The University of Texas at Austin. In 1983 he joined the prestigious law firm of Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP. After six years, he left the law firm and joined Financial Security Assurance as Associate General Counsel.

Sanford Cox, Jr.

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Sanford Cox passed away on May 14, in El Paso, where he practice law for over half a century. He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Holly Cox; his two sons, Curtis Cox and Chris Cox; his daughter-in-law, Sylvia Cox; and his adored granddaughter, Heather Cox. A memorial in his honor will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of El Paso.

Mr. Cox's Obituary (External link)

James Meyers

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James Rezia Meyers passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 88 on February 25th 2017 in Austin, Texas. He was student body president at Rice, then Order of the Coif and a Chancellor at the School of Law. After his private practice, he became Judge of the 126th District Court in Travis County in 1966. As a retired District Judge, he was well known and respected as a mediator and arbitrator. He will be remembered for his quick and impish wit, his legal intellect and rigor, and promoting access to the judicial system. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Volunteer Legal Services (www.vlsoct.org) or The Judge James R. Meyers Scholarship c/o The University of Texas Law School Foundation, 727 East Dean Keeton, Austin TX 78705.

Obituary in the Austin American-Statesman (External link)

Andrew Jackson “Jack” Pope

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Jack Pope, who spent 38 years as a Texas judge, including two decades on the Texas Supreme Court with a two-year term as Chief Justice, died Saturday at age 103 in Austin. A service is scheduled for Friday, March 3rd at the University Avenue Church of Christ with burial following at the state cemetery. “Chief Justice Jack Pope was a judicial icon, His hard work, scholarship, common sense, humor and integrity are legendary,” said the court’s current chief justice, Nathan Hecht. “He was my mentor, role model, counselor and, most especially, my friend. Texas has lost a great, great man.”

The Austin American-Statesman on Jack Pope (External link)

Phillip Mann

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Phillip Mann died suddenly at home on June 3, 2016. Former colleagues at his firm Miller & Chevalier described Mr. Mann as “an outstanding tax lawyer and even better person. One of the kindest and most generous people I know.: “His touchstone in life was friendship. Clients became friends with Phil.” In the words of Anthony Shelley, Chair of Miller & Chevalier’s Executive Committee, “Phil was a preeminent lawyer, a strong leader both inside and outside the firm, a loyal colleague and a cherished friend to his clients and peers. He will be greatly missed by so many.”

Remembering Phillip Mann, from the ABA website (External link)

John Ballard Bennett

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John Ballard Bennett, died January 24, 2017 in Kerrville, Texas. He was born April 1, 1929 in Edinburg, Texas and was the son of Irene and John Bennett. At the University of Texas, where he was an editor of The Texas Law Review and a member of the Order of the Coif, he met the love of his life and wife of 61 years, Mary Frances Chupick. After law school, he enlisted in the United States Army and served as a Captain in the Judge Advocate’s General Corp. Later, he co-founded Balcones Minerals Corporation in Flatonia, Texas with his father-in-law, John Chupick. He returned to the Rio Grande Valley where he practiced law for many years. The family invites you to send condolences at www.grimesfuneralchapels.com.

Trevor Taylor

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Trevor Anthony Taylor died on January 23, 2017. He was 47. Trevor loved the law. A trial lawyer with his own practice, he was a tireless advocate and a true believer in the civil justice system. Trevor’s heroes were lawyers, beginning with his father, Bill. Trevor relished an argument and fought passionately for the rights of those who couldn’t fight for themselves. He was greatly respected by his colleagues, a past president of the Capital Area Trial Lawyers Association, a board member of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association, and a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates and the Lloyd Lochridge Inns of Court. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to a charity of your choice or The Southern Poverty Law Center.

Read Trevor Taylor's full obituary here (External link)

Herschel C. Winn

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Herschel Clyde Winn died May 17, 2016 in Irving, Texas. Retired in November 1997 as senior vice president and secretary of Tandy Corporation after 29 years of service, Mr. Winn was honored in 2010 by the State Bar of Texas as a “50 Year Lawyer.”

Read Herschel C. Winn's full obituary (External link)

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