Judge Mace Baxter Thurman

Mace Baxter Thurman, Jr. was born on August 8, 1918 in Manor, Texas to Mace and Verna Thurman. The family moved to Austin when he was two years old. He graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School in 1934 and received a Bachelor of Business degree in 1937 and a Doctor of Jurisprudence in 1939 from the University of Texas. Mace practiced law in Austin until 1941 when he was elected Justice of the Peace. Beginning in 1947, he served as the County Court of Law Judge until he was appointed judge of the newly created 147th District Court of Travis County in 1957. Judge Thurman served in Travis County for 58 years and tried many cases of statewide importance. In 1990 he retired with Senior Judge status. The Austin American-Statesman described him as "what all elected officials aspire to be - an acknowledged expert in his field; well-respected by the people who know and work for him, and a quiet, but commanding presence." Judge Thurman considered his greatest challenge to pronounce decisions that promoted realistic rehabilitations in criminal cases and domestic harmony in family law cases involving children. His colleagues and friends established an endowed Presidential Law Scholarship at the University of Texas in recognition of over 50 years of judicial service. The newly built criminal justice center was named in his honor, and he received the Travis County Bar Association' Distinguished Lawyer Award. Judge Thurman was a member of Tarrytown United Methodist Church and served on the administrative board as a Trustee. He was a member of Austin Masonic Lodge #12AF and AM and was honored as a 33rd degree Mason. His distinguished professional career in Travis County civic affairs included serving as President of the Austin Junior Chamber of Commerce. During his tenure the organization solicited private funds to obtain an assistant juvenile officer. As Chairman of the Travis County Juvenile Board, the Travis County Gardner – Betts Juvenile Center was established on South Congress Avenue. He received numerous awards of service from many community organizations. Judge Thurman was an avid sports fan. For decades, he attended University of Texas' sports events with his family and supported the Longhorns. Judge Thurman also coached Little League for many years where he was given the opportunity to share his enthusiasm for baseball. Judge Thurman is preceded in death by his wife Jacqueline Thurman and survived by five children, Mary Reeves and husband Sam, Janice White, Glen Thurman and wife Diana, Russell Thurman and Camella Devine, Mace B. Thurman III and wife Connie; eight grandchildren; and four great grandchildren. A memorial service for Mace Thurman will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 11, 2009 at Tarrytown United Methodist Church, 2601 Exposition Blvd.