Liz, I am so very sorry to hear this news. I pray that you and the kids (young adults now) are healing well. Peace be with you all.

I worked for Tom in Houston for several years.  I remember Tom's son as a very young child and Liz through their courtship and subsequent marriage.  My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Liz.

It was mid-summer, 2010.  I first met Tom at a hearing on the Chinese drywall cases.  There were 8 lawyers arguing similar motions.   He was representing a small company I had never heard of and he was arguing a motion to dismiss.  All the rest of us had argued our motions to dismiss for the larger companies and had gotten our motions denied by the Judge out of hand.  

Tom made a different, and well presented argument and he won his motion for his client.  I was very impressed, both by his legal skill and by the fact that his argument was so well reasoned.  Who was this guy?  

After the hearing, we talked for a bit.  He was from Texas and had recently moved to Florida.  Our firm had more work than we could handle and I was looking for a new attorney to work on the asbestos cases.  At first, Tom was not exactly what I had envisioned bringing on.  He was almost as old as me.  He knew nothing about that type of litigation.  And he used to be a plaintiff's lawyer.  

But skill knows no boundaries.  We continued to talk over several weeks and I convinced him to interview with my partners for a job with our firm.  We were thrilled to bring him aboard in October of that year. 

Tom was great.  He needed no instruction on how to handle complex litigation.  He was a grownup in a profession where most were younger than we were.  And he was an instant colleague.  Here was someone with whom I could share stories about grey hair and raising teenagers.  Here was someone who could strategize from knowledge gained representing the other side of personal injury law.  Here was a genuinely nice guy who took to this new asbestos stuff like a duck to water.  And here was someone who I could trust to handle the newly filed Chinese drywall cases without further instruction.  

He was an instant hit with the other law firms in the litigation.  He loved to joke around with the guys in deposition and was not intimidated by some of the nastiness we sometimes face from the other side.  He had the wisdom and the experience to share with his growing number of colleagues.  
He was also someone who could communicate with our corporate clients in a mature and thoughtful way.  Many of those clients have asked that I speak of the value they placed on his legal ability and personal charisma.  

Within a very short amount of time, Tom accepted our offer of partnership with our firm and moved into a larger office.  He undertook the increased firm responsibility in stride.  He was a valued member of the Bice Cole family.

Tom was also a bit of a prankster and had a very sharp sense of humor.  When we hired Melanie Chung Tims as an associate, she was assigned to his old office.  Tom had known Melanie from the asbestos litigation circuit and they had gotten along great.  During her first week at our firm, Tom locked her out of her office, forcing Melanie to ask him to let her back in.  Twice.  We finally removed the lock entirely, afraid that Melanie would retaliate and we'd never get any work done.   

Tom and I talked often about our families and how much he loved and appreciated his life with his son Tom and his daughters, Katelyn and Kristin and, especially, his wife, Liz.  He also traded stories of family life with Neil Covone and Mel and Eddie Medina.  
After not too much haranguing, I was able to persuade Tom to join me on the County PTA Council, where he served on the Student Safety Committee.  He volunteered to assist with the South Florida Regional Science Fair several years in a row, even bringing his family in to assist when needed.  He was very much community involved and appreciated.

Tom was a bright and involved lawyer, even to the end of his career.  He and Neil met several times when Tom was in the hospital to discuss strategy and needed litigation steps to be taken to protect the interests of our clients.  He was alert and involved in the law until the very end.  

Tom was a fine man, and it was our good fortune to have known and worked and lived with him and his family.  He will be sorely missed.  

 On behalf of the Bice Cole Law Firm

So sad, he was one of a kind. Had so much fun with him during our Ferguson days. Hugs to you all, you are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Tom was a special person. I've known him since his college days at Drexel University and was lucky enough to keep a friendship with him all through these many years. His passion for whatever touched his heart was exciting. What touched his heart the most was his family. He loved them so deeply. Tom was such a proud and devoted  husband and dad; brother, uncle and son. He LOVED his family!! They meant EVERYTHING to him.
Friendships were important to Tom too. He cherished relationships with people that came into his life from many different directions. He was a loyal and true friend with a big heart, a brilliant mind and a quick wit that could always bring out a laugh or smile.
Tom was a lot of fun and enjoyed life, being happy, and seeing others enjoy life as well. He was a very kind person who cared tremendously about people.
I was so lucky to have known him and I can't believe he's gone....
But he is now in the arms of Our Lord, resting in peace and out of pain.
I am praying for Elizabeth, Tom, Kristen, Kaitlyn and all the Schlotzhauer family. After the clouds have passed may his sweet memory always bring a smile to your heart.

Tom came into our lives when he started dating Elizabeth. He was a kind and generous man with an easy smile. His family was the love of his life, no one could have made him happier. It was our fortune to know you Tom. You will be greatly missed.

Words cannot express how sorry I am to hear about Tom's passing.  I hope you find comfort in his memories.  He was an amazing person and we were blessed to know him.

Dear Schlotzhauer family, my condolences to you during these very difficult times. It has been a privilege to be involved in his care these last 3 months during hospitalization. He showed dignity, strength, faith & deep love for family. Thank you for allowing me to share time with him & your family

Dear Schlotzhauer family, May you find peace in this difficult time of mourning. I have been blessed in knowing you & sharing time with you & Mr. Schlotzhauer during the last 3 months of his life. His gentle & quiet spirit & strong faith will remain within all of us.  All my love, Carmen

My deepest sympathy to the Schlotzhauer family And my thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. May God keep you at his side Tom Rest in Peace.
The Gomez Family

Tom was a terrific person and a fantastic attorney who was well respected by his peers for his keen insight and common sense approach on matters.  Shared many meals and laughs with him when we were on the road together and was glad to know him and call him a friend.  He will be missed.

So sorry to hear of your loss .Our heartfelt condolences to Thomas's  family & friends .

Our hearts and prayers go out to the entire Schlotzhauer family. I am so glad that our paths crossed in life. I will always remember how quickly Tom could bring a smile to my face with his love of life!
Blessings from Heather and Family...
Gene, Michaela & Kyle Mueller

A wonderful man, a great friend, an amazing father and an even better boss. Your presence is missed and will never be forgotten. An amazing Angel has made it to God's army. May you rest in peace and may you be in God's glory.

Tom you are now in the God's hands resting in peace,my  thoughts and prayers  are with the family during this difficult time. R.I.P. Tom we will always remember you as a wonderful father, husband and friend.

A good friend,a pretty good bird hunter and a fun person to know. We had fun together years ago and watched our boys grow to men. We will all miss you. God bless your family.

Tom was a wonderful man who was dedicated to his family.  He will be sorely missed.  May God have him in glory.

An honest and dedicated advocate, Tom always carried himself with class and skill. I learned much from this man, and I will miss him sorely.  My heartfelt condolences to the family he loved.

My deepest sympathy to the Schlotzhauer family.  Tom was always a pleasure to work with and a good friend.

A loving husband and wonderful father. May you rest in peace. 
My love always.  Liz

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Thomas Frederick Schlotzhauer

3 juillet 1951 – 21 juin 2014

Caballero Rivero Woodlawn South & Woodlawn Park Cemetery South

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