Any of these men could’ve been my ”best man” and aside from my own father, hardly any better than Tom Herald. The lone Longhorn in the middle of a bunch of Baylor Bears.

Sending my heartfelt condolences to Tom’s son, family, & friends. Tom made our corner of the world a better place. Peace be with you.

1983 yearbook picture Alief Hastings High School

Tom was a sweet friend of mine since seventh grade when we were in many classes together. We both were on the swimming and diving team in high school.  I was a swimmer in awe of the risk taking it took to be a diver. He and fellow diving friends raised the stakes even more with their shenanigans! I remember stories of double bouncing & jumping from the rafters of the natatorium into the water. We traveled and competed with the team, toiled in our classes, went to senior homecoming and parties together. He had a great balance of responsibility and fun. I’d see him at University of Texas too;  fondly I am remembering a senior year camping trip at Enchanted Rock & a Guadalupe River float. We kept in touch over the years, and I was always amazed how we could pick up where we left off. He was a witty, emotionally open, and wise friend. I last spoke to him October 23rd and he was so happy, so proud of his son, loved his work & looked forward to more boating adventures in Panama. His last words to me were: “You made my day.” I thought to myself how special he made me feel. It inspired me to be like that to others. True gold and all-round honorable man. I will miss you deeply Tom Herald.

I met Tom many, many years ago when we had a case against each other. He was the defense attorney and I was the Plaintiff's attorney. It was a typical car wreck case. What was not typical was the kind, caring defense attorney I met that day. We had lunch after the deposition and became fast friends. I kept asking him why he was doing defense work. He said he was considering becoming a Plaintiffs' attorney. I told him he would be magnificent. We had several more cases against each other, and then I found out he had decided to join the Plaintiffs' bar. I would see Tom at TTLA events. We always had such fun together.  He had a heart for people. He was warm and kind.  I was on the Nominating Committee which awarded him the John Howie Mentorship Award. Tom was always available to help anyone to share his knowledge and expertise,  and  he did so frequently on the TTLA listserver. I will miss Tom. I cannot comprehend the family's loss. Whenever I have a case involving an insurance issue, I will fondly remember Tom. May perpetual light shine upon him until we meet again.  I have made a memorial gift with the TTLA legislative war chest in his memory.

My sincere and deepest condolences to the Herald family. I went to high school with Tom and we were both on the Hastings Diving Team. My nickname for Tom was Clark (Kent) because he had the physique of Superman but the heart of Clark. Truly a good man, even then when he was just a high school teenager. And that is what we have all lost; the world is a poorer place without him.

I remember when Tom suffered a terrible knee injury in a football game and he was no longer able to participate so had to leave the team. Everyone could see that that hit him pretty hard. We were not yet friends, though we knew each other, when the following summer he was diving at a pool where I was a lifeguard and, impressed with the tricks he was doing, I suggested that he join the diving team. He did, and, naturally, quickly became a valued and respected member of the team. Everyone who met Tom , even just briefly, knew he was a generous and  good person. (And a damn good diver too!)

I have, and always will, remember Tom fondly and with much respect. On the day that I heard he had passed, I was walking to a client's business and listening to a random selection of songs from my favorites when three Talking Heads songs lined up one after the other. The first caused me to stutter step, the second stopped me, but by the third I was walking and smiling, remembering how crazy he was about that band in high school and all the things he saw in their music that I would only truly appreciate years later. 

Anytime I have listened to that band, memories of Tom have always, if only briefly, popped into my head. Now, I think, I will only think of him until the song ends.

My sincere condolences are offered.  Tom taught me so many things in such a short time.  He was that type of lawyer.  No proprietary information silos, he was a true herald of what the insurance companies and their defense teams were likely to attempt.  He also freely gave of his wisdom when asked.  I will miss his presence in our community as a trusted ally.

I met Tom many years ago when his family was  searching for a home in Coppell. His done Camden was 6 years old! He was an Awesome  dad even way back then. My sincere condolences to his family members and friends. May Gods love and memories carry you all through this unimaginable time.  Love and prayers to all. Rose Korte

Tom loved to travel to exotic places.  Us going to England for a wedding was a blast!  I am so glad you got to join us there.  
Tom used to tell me stories of going to Columbia and Panama, with his friends and how much fun it was! 
Tom was the best brother anyone could ask for.  He was fun, compassionate, smart and the giver of wise advice.  
I will miss you more than you could ever know. 
Until we meet on the other side, Farewell and Godspeed.

Dear Camden,
Your Dad and I never met in person, but about eight years ago he took a phone call from me when he didn't have to. While I feverishly took notes, he answered all my questions and masterfully laid out some real nuanced legal minutiae. In a kind and intelligent fashion, but without a touch of arrogance. That last part requires a deft touch, which by all accounts was the norm for him.  I still look at the notes and use his advice today.  Twenty minutes to him, but a substantial help to a virtual stranger. Grace and peace, man.
Nick Peacock
Jacksonville, TX

Exceedingly sad regarding Tom's passing. He was one of my mentors in the legal profession and I will never forget the lessons he taught me and hope to one day be as great of a mentor to young attorneys as he was to me. 

One trial we had together, took two weeks and we didn't leave the courthouse the night before the last day as we were battling out a jury charge for the case with the other side. We didn't even have time to change into the suits we had brought in anticipation of this before the trial started back up.

Just one of many fond memories I have of Tom. He will be greatly missed. Heartfelt condolences to his family and I pray for their comfort in the days ahead.

This is how I always think of Tom.  Making me laugh out loud.  He was an amazing human being and I’m grateful to have known him.

I was preparing to try my first civil case, a very difficult uninsured motorist case in Denton County. Someone recommended I contact Tom. Thank goodness they did. Even though we had not previously met, Tom graciously spent an hour of his time walking me through the tips and tricks he'd spent years mastering and even shared some of his outlines and work product with me. We were able to get a great result for the client largely by swimming in Tom's wake. He was more than just a legal giant, he was a deeply kind and empathetic teacher. When I reached out after the trial asking how to thank him, all he asked was that I promise to pass it on and help another lawyer in need. I will never forget that. 

My deepest condolences to Tom's family and friends and everyone whose life he touched with his brilliance and kindness.

Prayers for Tommy's Friends and Family so sad to see this. We played football together Class of 84 Alief Hastings Bears. Tommy was a incredible competitor and probably the smartest guy I knew on our team. I pray he is with the Lord and starting a new path in eternity!!!

Tom was the best of us. Brilliant, funny and generous. I will miss my friend and fellow insurance nerd.

I was saddened to hear of Tom's passing.  I had cases against him when I was a defense attorney, and I greatly respected his abilities, and professionalism, as a litigator and trial attorney.  I think some of the highest compliments an attorney can receive are the ones that come from their adversaries.  Tom was formidable and always above-board.  When I changed sides and became an advocate for the injured, I appreciated and valued his wisdom and insight.  The legal community lost not only a great lawyer, but also a great man.  Rest in peace Tom.

I'm so sorry that Tom's family will be deprived of so many years of such an awesome person.  

Tom made everyone he encountered feel like you were his friend and that he valued you. That's a rare blessing in a world where most people are so busy and pulled in many directions.   

As a fellow trial lawyer, I first encountered him as an opponent and realized he was a formidable opponent because he knew more about the law than I ever would.  Still, he did everything he could to get a fair shake for the injured folks he was defending against. Once he got to the white hat side of the V, we knew we had one of the smartest and hardest working lawyers in our camp and he would be like a rising tide that helped all of our clients. Tom never failed to help me out and did so happily and I'm pretty sure many of us were blessed by this kindness. Knowledge kindly shared is a gift rarely seen and not likely to be repeated.  

God Speed Tom. We miss you and will never forget you.

My condolences to the entire Herald family. Tom and I started our practices at about the same time. Depending on where I was working at the time, we were either on the same or opposite sides of many cases. Yet whether advocate or adversary, we always remained friends. I was so very shocked and surprised by his passing, having spoken with him only a few short weeks ago. May his name be for a blessing.

Tom was one of the sweetest attorney’s to work for, and was always very encouraging. I am saddened to hear of his passing. Please accept my most sincere condolences.

Please accept my most sincere condolences for your loss.  I never had an interaction with Tom, as either an adversary or as a colleague, which was not both professional and pleasant.  He was a funny, smart, hardworking, and generous man.  He was truly remarkable.  I will think of him often and will miss him greatly. 
Sincerely, George Boll

Words fail me as I try to make sense of the horrific news of Tom’s passing.  
 
Tom was not only one of the smartest attorneys I’ve had the privilege of knowing but he was also a humble and kind person, always willing to lend a helping hand. His generosity and brilliance as a lawyer were matched only by his integrity and warmth as a human being.
 
I had the distinct pleasure of working closely with Tom over the last few years on first-party cases, and I witnessed first-hand the depth of his legal expertise. From preparing for depositions and trials to crafting arguments before the Texas Supreme Court, Tom played a huge role in the success that Carlos and I have had in these cases. He was always willing to spend hours of his time helping us refine our strategy, shape our arguments, and navigate complex case law.  
 
The last time I saw Tom was at the DTLA annual party. We enjoyed a drink and reminisced about different things, including our mutual disdain for State Farm. It was a light-hearted moment and I enjoyed it, just like all of my conversations with Tom. However, I did not know that it would be my last conversation with Tom!
 
Tom, you will be deeply missed. The void you leave behind will never be filled. But I give you my word, we will do everything in our power to continue to make State Farm’s life as miserable—just as you would have done. Your passion, your dedication, and your spirit will continue to guide us in the fight, and we’ll honor your memory in every step we take.
 
My thoughts are with Tom’s son, Camden and the family. We truly lost a gem!

During a house party we hosted, we were playing Taboo. Tom was the quickest to understand the rules, and man, did he crush it?! Two vivid memories from that night: 
a) He got the word “echo”, and he just yelled Tom, Tom, Tom…. In a softer and softer voice… which I thought was brilliant! 
b) When it was Tom’s turn to play, I would take the buzzer and my 7 month pregnant belly, stand right next to him, looking over his shoulder and buzz it in his ear even at the slightest slip-up (the joy was real!) - but he completely deprived me of that joy for the most part. He was so good! We adored each other, but sorry, we were super competitive too, haha. 🙂

Tom was a giant, a mentor, and ultimately a friend. Always ready to share a good sipping tequila and a war story, Tom was someone who made very day brighter. 

He never hesitated to share his wisdom and knowledge, making every lawyer he interacted with not only a better lawyer, but a better person and advocate. I only knew Tom for a few short years, but I will always consider him one of my great mentors in the law. I am privileged to have gotten to know him, and only wish I had been able to spend more time learning from him. 

Tom will be greatly missed for years to come.

OBITUARIO

Thomas Allen Herald

16 febrero, 1966 – 2 diciembre, 2024

J.E. Foust & Son Funeral Directors

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