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Tom Hanna
Thomas L. “Tom” Hanna, a former Jefferson County District Attorney who helped start the careers of Bob Wortham, Larry Thorne, Tom Maness, Gary Sanderson, late Larry Gist and the late Leonard Giblin and countless others, died Feb. 6. He was 83.
“He was a great man,” said Wortham, the current District Attorney in Jefferson County who plans to retire at the end of the year. “I started practicing law in the district attorney’s office Oct. 6, 1973, for Tom in misdemeanor court and I will end my career in that office.”
Earning a law school degree from the University of Texas, Hanna began practicing in 1964 and was first elected as the Jefferson County District Attorney in 1970. He spent eight years in the office until 1978, when he left to become the Executive Director of the State Bar of Texas. From there, he joined the firm of Mehaffy, Weber, Keith and Gonsoulin. In 1996, Hanna practiced law at his own firm.
“He treated everyone the same way they would have wanted to be treated,” said Wortham. “He chose extremely talented people to work for him. Until this day, I ask ‘How would Tom Hanna handle this situation? What would Tom do in similar circumstances. That’s the way a lot of my decisions are made.”
Thorne, who is set to retire from the 317th Civil District Court bench later this year, described Hanna as a “lawyer’s lawyer” and incredible to work for.
“Tom was a lawyer that anyone would want to be,” said Thorne. “He was incredible to work for and there to help you. He was a magnificent mentor, human being and friend. It’s a big loss for Jefferson County and the state of Texas.”
Hailing from Hall Summit, Louisiana, and residing in Nederland, Hanna is predeceased by his parents, Claiborne Hanna and Ruth Hanna; and his granddaughter Kara Whitaker Hudson. He is survived by his wife Elizabeth Shifflette Hanna; his children, Rebecca Authement and Thomas Lee Hanna, Jr. (Julie); his grandchildren, Devin Morgan, JoLinn Russell (Wesley), James Hanna, KayLeigh Threlkeld and Peyton Hanna; and his great grandchildren, Gracyan Hudson, Riley Hudson, Addyson Hudson, Emma Morgan, Devin Morgan, Jr. and Daxton Morgan.
Visitation will be held at Calder Baptist Church (1005 N. 11th St.) in Beaumont on Saturday, Feb. 12, from 2-3 p.m. A funeral service will proceed at 3 p.m.