Honorable Thomas Frederick Greenwell

Judge Thomas Greenwell was born in Huntington, West Virginia, on August 6, 1956 to Paschal and Aldine Greenwell. He grew up in West Virginia, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania. Judge Greenwell attended George Washington University, in Washington, D.C., and graduated with Honors in 1978 with a double major in journalism and political science. He served as Press Secretary for United States Senator Larry Pressler from 1978-1979. In 1981, Judge Greenwell graduated with Honors from the University of Texas School of Law in Austin. He then settled in to serve fifteen years as a Staff Attorney for the Thirteenth Court of Appeals from 1981-1996. He left the Court of Appeals to pursue his private practice, until 2002, when the Honorable Tom Greenwell became the first county wide Republican elected to office. He has served with diligence and honor as the Presiding Judge of the 319th Judicial District Court of Nueces County for the past eleven years. For those who knew Judge Greenwell, it was not his distinguished career which impressed you. It was the humble, dedicated, generous man who wore the robe. Judge Greenwell was compassionate and fair. He was a trusted mentor and colleague to those who asked for his advice, and then one could count on sound, honest logic. Judge Greenwell was loved by his staff, friends and colleagues because of his easy-going spirit, his common sense approach to the law, and his ability to treat everyone with thoughtfulness. His pursuit of knowledge and commitment to uphold the law made him one of the most respected jurists in the State of Texas. One cannot talk about Judge Greenwell without mentioning his incredible sense of humor. He had a knack for “one-liners,” and he had a way of finding humor in even the most challenging situations. He brought a smile to everyone. Judge Greenwell found a great passion in presiding over the Veteran’s Court Program he created, and truly worked to help veterans facing challenges and adversities within the criminal justice system succeed. Judge Greenwell remains a beloved member of the legal community, a pillar of honesty and fairness, and a great friend and colleague. He will be so dearly missed. Judge Greenwell is preceded in death by his parents Paschal and Aldine Greenwell. He is survived by one brother, James Greenwell. Flowers may be sent to Memory Gardens Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to “Nueces County Community Supervision and Corrections/ Veterans Court Program.” A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, July 25, 2013, at 4:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church on Shoreline. Honorary Pallbearers include the State District Judges, County Court at Law Judges, and the Honorable County Judge Samuel L. Neal, Jr.