Thomas Hosea “Tom” Burton, Jr, age 86, passed away peacefully at home on November 13, 2018. Born December 4, 1931 in Oklahoma City, Tom grew up in Denver, St. Louis, Worland and Thermopolis, Wyoming before moving with his family to Galveston.
After graduating Ball High, he excelled at Rice University, graduating in 1954, then earned his law degree with honors in 1957; he also served on the Law Review at the University of Texas Law School. After declining an offer to work at the Brookings Institution, Tom had a distinguished legal career as an oil and gas lawyer, appearing in numerous federal courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court in 1983.
He is remembered by all who knew him for his selflessness, generosity, intelligence, humor, his devotion to his family, and his love of dogs.
Tom is survived by his sweetheart and wife of 52 years, Jill Burton, nee O'Mahony; his twin children, Thomas H. Burton, III of Houston and Aileen Truax; son-in-law, Eric Truax of Austin, and in-laws Martha and Elyse Thompson; grandchildren Miles and Erin Burton; brother William Burton of Houston; and brother and sister-in-law Gordon and Mary Burton of Dunkirk, MD.
The family extends their sincere gratitude to Tom's carers, Eno Baker and Peter Alimol, who gave him great comfort during his final weeks.
A Memorial Service is planned for Friday, November 30 at 10am at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, 6921 Chetwood Dr, Houston, TX 77081. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Houston Pets Alive.
