In Memoriam: Thomas Lee “Tom” Hanna
TLIE NewsTLIE lost a great friend and champion with the recent passing of Thomas Lee “Tom” Hanna.
Tom was born in Hall Summit, Louisiana on September 25, 1938 and moved to Nederland, Texas when he 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 joined the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office in 1964 and left the D.A.’s office in 1967 for private practice in Port Arthur.
After a few years in private practice, Tom was elected twice as Jefferson County District Attorney and served from 1971 to 1978. From 1973 to 1978, Tom was the Chairman of the Texas District Attorneys Legislative Committee. Tom then became the Executive Director of the State Bar of Texas and served in that role until 1981.
Tom was recognized by the State Bar of Texas in 2016 for 50 years of outstanding service. He was also the proud recipient of the Blackstone Award in 2018, a lifetime achievement honor bestowed upon him by the Jefferson County Bar Association.
Tom passed away on February 6, 2022, and is survived by his wife, Liz, his daughter, Rebecca, his son, Tom, Jr. and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Tom served on the Board of Directors of Texas Lawyers’ Insurance Exchange from 1985 until 2022, including five years as Chairman of the Board from 2009 until 2014.
Read more about Tom’s life and legacy here.
