Thomas Donald Blackwell

Thomas Donald Blackwell March 13, 1918- December 1, 2005 Born to Thomas and Emma Blackwell in Winters Texas, Tom will be remembered in many ways: soldier; prosecutor; judge; father. All who knew him, whether as the “Jumping Judge” of Travis County, as the District Judge of the 167th , as the Commanding General of the 71st Airborne Division, as father, or as friend — will miss him. Soon after Tom left the farm in Weslaco for college at John Tarlton in Stephenville, he met the love of his life, Rosemary Camp. They married on Dec 11, 1939. Tom joined the ROTC, graduated from OCS, and received a commission as a second lieutenant in the United States Army. He was called to active duty in 1940. Tom rapidly climbed the ranks. (He was later fond of saying that he had held every rank from private to general.) For his service in the European theater he received numerous medals and citations including: the Purple Heart, the Legion of Merit, the Soldier’s medal, and the Bronze star. (Awarded personally by Gen. George Patton.) An employee of Travis County for more than 50 years, Tom Blackwell served as 1st Assistant District Attorney from 1949 - 1954, as County Attorney from 1955-1961, as District Attorney from 1962-1968, and District Judge of the 167th District Court from 1968- 1984. He was a senior District Judge from 1984-2002. As an elected official, and a veteran of 10 election campaigns, he never drew an opponent. All who knew Tom knew that family came first. In the 1960s, he declined appointment by President Lyndon Johnson to become the federal prosecutor in Dallas. Previously, he had declined a lucrative offer to be the first Assistant DA of Harris County. He would not consider such positions due to the hardships moving would have placed on his family. (Or maybe he could not imagine being so far from his beloved Texas Longhorns. Tom Blackwell’s blood ran orange.) Tom Blackwell was many things. The first judge to allow DNA evidence in Texas. The first judge to allow testimony from a hypnotized witness to be admitted in a Texas courtroom. The Commanding General who parachuted with his men 71 times. The man who helped raise tens of thousands of dollars for the Red Cross, the YWCA, the Boy Scouts and others. The author of a legal treatise used by judges and lawyers across Texas. A founder of the Westlake Booster’s Club. A trusted friend. A long time Austin neighbor. A loving husband. The father of four grateful children. Tom was all of these and much, much, more. Judge Blackwell was active in the Travis County and Austin community. He was presented appreciation awards for years of service from the Red Cross, Aqua Fest, the Boy Scouts of America, the West Austin Optimist Club, the Founders Lions Club, The Eanes School District, and from his Masonic Lodge University 1190. Tom was also very active in the Tarrytown Baptist Church, where he taught a men’s Sunday school class for 30 years. Tom is survived by: his wife of 66 years, Rosemary; his four children, Rose Ann of Portland, Oregon; Tommy of Austin; Betty of Austin; and Jeannette of San Diego, California. And five grand children: Savannah Blackwell, Kari Blackwell, Katie Case , Rosie Belden, and Byrne Belden. The Blackwell family would like to convey their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Gil Roebuck , who extended Judge Blackwell’s life by many years and who has been a great support to Rosemary Blackwell. A memorial service celebrating the life of Tom Blackwell will be held at: Saengerrunde Hall, 1607 San Jacinto Blvd, Tuesday, Dec. 6th at 1:00 p.m. The community of Austin is invited. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate your donation to the Boy Scouts of America. Tom Blackwell ‘s personal creed will be remembered by all who knew him. “Make us ever mindful of the needs of others, teach us to love mercy, do justice, and walk humbly with God.” He will be missed. Obituary and guestbook online at wcfish.com