Doren Eskew

DOREN ROBERT ESKEW died at home in Austin, Texas on Tuesday, May 8, 2012 at the age of 91. Son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, lawyer, public servant, deacon, and friend, he will be missed by all those whose lives he touched.

Doren was preceded in death by Tommie Ruth McAnally Eskew, his loving wife of 61 years, and is survived by his children Sara Neal Eskew (widow of Larry Roark); Dr. James R. Eskew and wife Lynn Langley; Noel Eskew and her partner Mark Harris, all of Austin; and Blake Eskew and wife Martha Piana Eskew of Houston. His beloved grandchildren are Lyndsey Langley, David Eskew, Jancy Langley, Monroe Eskew and wife Courtney Glass Eskew, Jonathan Eskew, and Thomas Eskew. Doren is also survived by his sister Mavis Eskew Pape of Austin; his brother-in-law Roy Chappell of San Diego, California; his nieces and nephews Barbara Eskew, Edwin and Charles Morris, Mark and Michael Pape, Larry and Don Lawson, Dana Chappell, and their families; and his long-time law partner and faithful friend R. Douglas Muir.

Doren was born October 27, 1920 in the East Texas railroad town of Donie in Freestone County, son of J.R. and Nina Eskew. The family soon moved to Normangee, Texas where J.R. served as stationmaster and telegrapher. Doren was the sixth of seven children - James, Zelma, Neal, Maribess, Mavis, Doren, and Billie – and his parents' devotion to education was evident in the achievements of all seven. Doren attended the University of Texas until, like so many of his generation, his life was transformed by World War II. While both were working at Camp Hulen in Palacios, he and Tommie fell in love during a 10-day hurricane evacuation in the El Campo High School gymnasium in 1942. After induction into the Army Air Corps, he served in Military Intelligence in North Africa and Italy.

Doren returned to U.T., earning his L.L.B. from U.T. Law School in 1948. While in school, he and Tommie joined the University Baptist Church (UBC), beginning a lifetime of service to that historic fellowship. After a short time in private practice in Albany, Texas, they returned to Austin. He joined the City of Austin Legal Department in 1951 and was soon promoted to City Attorney. He served the people of Austin during a period of growth and social change in Austin. His team acquired the property for construction of the infrastructure that still defines Austin – from IH-35, to Mo-Pac, to Northwest Park, to the Mueller Airport, and more.

Doren retired from the City in 1969 and entered private practice, focusing on protecting the tax base of school districts and municipalities throughout Texas. He retired from active practice in the early 1990s. In his later years, he and Tommie enjoyed the company of their children and grandchildren, their many good friends, traveling the world, and raising tomatoes. His dedication to Tommie was expressed through his loving care for her during her lengthy battle with PSP.

Doren's devotion to God and UBC was complete and unconditional. He served as teacher, deacon, Moderator, Trustee, and mentor, and his commitment to UBC's inclusive mission to serve all peoples never wavered. He stood with the church from its pioneering role in Austin's civil rights struggle through the acceptance of gay voices in the 1990s, guided by the example of long-time UBC pastor Dr. Blake Smith. In his own words – ''I believe that Jesus himself accepts anybody'' – Doren expressed his belief in the dignity of man and the love of God.

Doren also believed in the mission and values of Scouting, and was awarded the Silver Beaver by the Capitol Area Council for his years of pro-bono legal service, and his tenacity in battling the State of Texas during the Camp Tom Wooten condemnation proceedings for Loop 360 and the Pennybacker Bridge.

Doren's outstretched hand and easy eloquence made all those with him feel welcomed. Whether in court, at Council, in church, or in his garden, he set a standard for civility, respect, and humanity.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 11 at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 North Lamar, Austin, Texas, at 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Graveside services are Saturday, May 12 at 10:00 a.m. at Austin Memorial Park, 2800 Hancock Dr. The memorial service will be at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 12 in the sanctuary of the University Baptist Church, 2130 Guadalupe. Parking is available at the University Co-Op garage at San Antonio and 23rd.

The family thanks Artilya Houston, Dempsey Lessard, Lorine Sanchez, Lisa Castillo, Sandra Sanchez, and Jeanie Burke for their loving devotion to our father.

Memorial donations can be made in Doren and Tommie's names to the University Baptist Church (2130 San Antonio, Austin, TX 78705).

You may view memorials online at www.wcfish.com.