Thomas "Tom" Hanna
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Thomas Lee Hanna was called to his heavenly home on Sunday, February 6, 2022. He was surrounded by family at the time of his passing.
Tom was born in Hall Summit, Louisiana in 1938. He and his parents, Claiborne and Ruth Hanna, moved to Nederland, Texas when Tom was five years old. He graduated from Nederland High School in 1957.
Tom attended Baylor University and graduated in 1961. He attended the University of Texas School of Law and graduated in 1964. Tom enrolled in the USMC Officer's program but was unable to serve due to a previous injury. He returned to Southeast Texas and joined the Jefferson County District Attorney's Office in 1964, as an Assistant D.A. He left the D.A.'s office in 1967 for private practice in Port Arthur.
In 1970, Tom married the love of his life, Elizabeth Shifflette. After a few years in private practice, Tom was encouraged to run for Jefferson County District Attorney. He was elected twice and served from 1971 to 1978. From 1973 to 1978, Tom was the Chairman of the Legislative Committee, Texas District and County Attorneys Association. This committee had the responsibility for drafting Texas' Penal Codes and coordinating the Associations' law enforcement legislative effort. Tom then became the Executive Director of the State Bar of Texas in Austin and served in that role until 1981.
In 1985, Tom began serving on the Board of Texas Lawyers Insurance Exchange where he served until the time of his death. He joined the law firm of Mehaffy, Weber, Keith, & Gonsoulin and remained there until 1996. In October of 1996, Tom went back into private practice. Tom was recognized by the State Bar of Texas in 2016 for 50 years of outstanding service with the State Bar of Texas. He was also the proud recipient of the Blackstone Award In 2018, a lifetime achievement honor bestowed upon him from the Jefferson County Bar Association.
Tom taught Sunday School for over 50 years and at the time of his death he and Elizabeth were members of Calder Baptist Church where Tom proudly served as Deacon for many years.
Tom was preceded in death by his father, Claiborne Hanna; mother, Ruth Hanna; and granddaughter, Kara Whitaker Hudson.
He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Shifflette Hanna; daughter, Rebecca Authement; son, Thomas Lee Hanna, Jr. and wife, Julie; grandchildren, Devin Morgan; JoLinn Russell and husband, Wesley; James Hanna; KayLeigh Threlkeld; and Peyton Hanna; and great-grandchildren, Gracyan Hudson, Riley Hudson, Addyson Hudson, Emma Morgan, Devin Morgan, Jr., and Daxton Morgan.
Honorary Pallbearers: Hon. Larry Thorne; Hon. Gary Sanderson; Hon. Bob Wortham; Tom Maness; David Bonham; Richard Hughes; Jack Smith; Lynn Hawkins; Brack Jones; Patricia Chamblin; Sandra Clark; Roland Bieber; John Randolph; Chris Shifflette; Paul Shifflette; Tim Sheffield; Devin Morgan; Riley Hudson; Hon. Larry Gist (deceased); Hon. Leonard Giblin (deceased); Danny Doyle (deceased); John Paul Davis (deceased); Steve Reinstra (deceased); Dexter Patterson (deceased); and Bo Horka (deceased).
In lieu of flowers, you may submit memorial contributions to Calder Baptist Church, 1005 North 11th Street, Beaumont, Texas 77702 in memory of Tom Hanna.
Complete and updated information may be found at: broussards1889.com