Thomas Mulford Diamond

Tom Diamond was born in Long Beach California on March 28, 1923, to Violet and Thomas Diamond. He graduated from Dorsey High in West Los Angeles in 1942. Tom enlisted in the United States Army at 19, and saw combat in the Pacific Theater. Tom chose to join the Army because he believed so deeply in America and its Government.

After fighting in World War II he returned to California and attended Stanford University where he graduated with a degree in engineering. At Stanford he met his wife Carolyn whom he married on New Years Day 1949. Tom remained enlisted in the active reserves and was called to duty during the Korean War. He was stationed at Fort Bliss and assigned to the guided missile program.

Following the Korean War Tom attended law school at Baylor University, and graduated with many honors and his degree in 1957. Tom returned to El Paso and so began his long career of service. Tom first worked as an engineer with the Texas State Highway Department, and next as an assistant to County Judge Woodrow Bean working on projects including the construction of Transmountain Road.

Tom transitioned into the private practice of law, and throughout his career was active in the Democratic Party forming relationships with both John F. Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson. Tom Diamond was a brilliant legal mind and associated with some of the best lawyers in the State of Texas with whom he remained lifelong friends. He was often called upon to meticulously handle the most difficult legal situations, which he then resolved with tact and trust. Tom was a charismatic peacemaker who utilized his gift to bring people together for good. Tom once told a lifelong friend and colleague that “war is the failure of politics.” He believed that those skilled at politics and the art of negotiation are best able to prevent atrocities.

He was a tireless advocate for Native American civil rights. Perhaps he is best known for his efforts to obtain federal recognition and trust status for the Tigua Indians of Ysleta del Sur Pueblo.

Tom’s professional accomplishments are many and in retirement this amazing storyteller wrote two novels Rimfire and Apache Tears and an autobiography Moon Spell.

Tom passionately built the Beaverhead Lodge Ranch west of Winston, New Mexico in the southwest Gila Mountains. He and his son operated the working cattle ranch together, which became his haven in the midst of his hectic career.

Tom was also a loving and supportive family man, and he greeted each day with an exuberant smile. He leaves behind his wife Carolyn Diamond; son Jack Diamond (spouse Kaye Diamond); grandchildren Renee Diamond (spouse Brendan Rogillio), John Diamond, and Cammy Wade (spouse Chris Wade); great-grandchildren Violet Rogillio, Finnegan Rogillio, Cayden Diamond, Reece Diamond, Graham Wade, and Davis Wade; as well as his step-grandchildren Raymie Russell, and Riley Dayberry (spouse Whitney Dayberry); and their children Kyler Russell, Bryce Russell, and Crocket Dayberry; and extended family in California with whom he remained close.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents Violet and Thomas Diamond, and his brother Jack Diamond.

Visitation will be Wednesday, July 12, 2017 at 2:00 to 5:00 pm at Hillcrest Funeral Home- West 5054 Doniphan Dr. El Paso, TX 79932.

Prayer Service will be Wednesday, July 12, 2017 at 6:30 to 9:00 pm at Ysleta Mission 131 S. Zaragoza Rd. El Paso, TX 79907.

Graveside Service will be Thursday, July 13, 2017 at 1:00 pm. at Memory Gardens of the Valley Cemetery.

Funeral Arrangements entrusted to Hillcrest Funeral Home-West 5054 Doniphan Dr. El Paso, TX 79932. (915) 587-0202.