Robert Frank Maris

Robert was a devoted husband to Marigny Lanier for 44 years until her death in 2021, and beloved father to daughter, Ashley Beck, and sons, Peter and Jack Maris.

Born in Belleville, IL, Robert became a Texan as a child and was ever patriotic to his Lone Star State as well as to his country. He loved art, photography, opera, all things Texas, especially traveling to the Big Bend. He was a golfer, fitness devotee, loved being with family and friends, hiking, horseback riding in Colorado and Texas, visiting dear friends in Door County, and he appreciated a glass of great red wine – all of which he shared with Marigny.

A highly respected commercial litigator, Robert had a strong, yet gentlemanly, manner and sixth sense in the court room, as a skilled negotiator and legal advisor to his clients, who usually became friends. He and Marigny, an expert employment lawyer, were partners in their law firm, Maris & Lanier, as well as in life. They met in SMU Law School and both worked for the Department of Labor for several years before founding their law firm to serve businesses and entrepreneurs – and, indeed they did. Both achieved the highest AV Preeminent rating by Martindale-Hubbell for excellence, skill and integrity and were selected repeatedly as a Texas Monthly Super Lawyers.

A graduate of UT Austin, B.A., in 1970 and SMU School of Law, J.D., in 1974, Robert was the Notes and Comments Editor of the Journal of Air Law and Commerce. He was a trial attorney at the US Department of Labor, 1974-77 prior to opening the Dallas law firm. He was admitted to practice by the U.S. Supreme Court, U.S. State Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and other local and regional courts.

Robert made definitive contributions to The Dallas Opera (TDO) and was instrumental to the governing board’s leadership in the recent transition from TDO Guild to The Dallas Opera BRAVO. He served as BRAVO’s Co-chair with special friend, RuthAnn Becker, as well as ex-officio, on the organization’s Board.

He is survived by his daughter, Ashley Beck; son Peter Maris and partner, Israel Tourlay-Arizona; son, Jack Maris; brother Ross Maris, Jr., wife, Mary, and son, Stephen.

A Memorial Mass and interment will be held on Friday, October 6, at 2:00 pm at Calvary Hill Cemetery in The North Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations to https://www.ccdallas.org/, Catholic Charities, or the charity of your choice, would be appreciated.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.calvaryhilldallas.com for the Maris family.