The Honorable Thomas Bartlett Sehon, Sr.

Thomas Bartlett Sehon Sr., a fifth-generation Texas attorney whose lifelong dedication to law, government, and justice left an indelible mark on Texas, died on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025 — his 81st birthday.

Funeral services were held Nov. 8 in his hometown of Marlin.

Born in Marlin to Elizabeth (Betsy) Graves Bartlett Allen and James Franklin Sehon, Mr. Sehon grew up steeped in the traditions of public service and spirited debate. He graduated as salutatorian from Marlin High School in 1963. While in high school, he achieved the Boy Scouts' highest distinction as an Eagle Scout with the Longhorn Council's Troop 53. It was an achievement he held with great pride throughout a life of accomplishment, one that reflected the values of duty and honor that shaped his life.

He went on to major in political science and government at Austin College, later earning his law degree from the University of Texas in 1970.

While in law school, he was among just nine students selected from a class of 400 for Charles Alan Wright’s distinguished Constitutional Law seminar, where students examined real Supreme Court cases — a formative experience that deepened his reverence for the American judicial system.

After law school, Mr. Sehon began his career as a Transportation Hearing Examiner for the Texas Railroad Commission. In 1977, his accomplishments earned him a place in the Outstanding Young Men of America edition published by the U.S. Junior Chamber of Commerce.

In 1980, he was elected District Attorney of Falls County, becoming the third member of his family to hold the office. For the next 20 years, Mr. Sehon served with tenacity, empathy, and a strong moral compass, known for his door-to-door campaigning, encyclopedic memory for names, and keen understanding of the people he served, down to which households kept the “meanest dogs.”

Tom was also well known for his sharp legal mind, steadfast ethics and disarming wit that could ease even the most heated courtrooms.

His legal career included several high-profile and emotionally resonant cases. Among them was the 1984 “Starving Horses” trial, which gained national attention in The New York Times for exposing a devastating gap in animal cruelty laws. “There wasn’t a law on the books to stop the suffering,” Tom recalled, standing on the barren farm pastures and haunted by watching neglected horses waste away. Read the New York Times article here.

He was also among the Texas prosecutors who warned against the early parole of convicted murderer Kenneth Alan McDuff, writing a letter urging the parole board not to release him. His fears proved tragically prescient when McDuff killed again following his release. Read the Texas Monthly story here.

After two decades as District Attorney, Mr. Sehon was named Marlin Citizen of the Year for his public service. Yet his commitment to civic duty remained steadfast. Soon after serving as DA, Tom successfully ran for County Judge and retired in 2007. Upon his retirement, the United States flag was flown over the Texas Capitol in his honor.

Even in retirement, Mr. Sehon’s passion for learning never waned. He amassed a personal library of thousands of books on history, psychology, and politics, guided by one of his favorite maxims from Cicero: “To be ignorant of what occurred before you were born is to always remain a child.”

He shared that passion through mentorship, coaching Baylor law students in mock trials and advising young attorneys who sought his wisdom and humor.

While Mr. Sehon’s professional achievements were many, his family and friends often point to his other career highlights — his starring role in the legendary Marlin Thanksgiving football rivalry between the Junkyard Dogs and the Wounded Ducks. For three decades, Tom and his cousins — “more like brothers,” he’d say — took to Erwin Memorial Stadium in an annual display of competition and laughter.

Known for his quick wit and self-deprecating humor, he loved to recount his greatest gridiron moment: a 50-yard touchdown scored after his opponents refused to cover him. “They didn’t respect my speed,” he’d grin, reliving the triumph that became family lore.

Mr. Sehon married Debra Waters in 1980, and together they had five children: Christopher Sehon and Megan Sehon of China Spring; Justin Sehon of Ballinger; and Thomas Sehon and Elizabeth Sehon of Fort Worth. He later married Helen Taylor in 1995, and the two shared more than 30 years of marriage filled with laughter, love, and devotion.

He is survived by his wife, Helen; his five children; and a growing number of grandchildren who, by all accounts, inherited both his humor and curiosity.

A lifelong public servant, lawyer, and storyteller, Mr. Sehon’s life embodied his belief that law and learning could make the world a more just and thoughtful place.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to all who cared for Mr. Sehon in his final months and days. They offer special thanks to Rosinal Hughes and her caregivers — Sharon and Evelyn — as well as the dedicated staff of Brookdale Lake Brazos and Amedisys Hospice for their compassion and support.

Those who wish to honor Mr. Sehon’s memory are invited to make a memorial contribution to the Historic Allen House, the Pauline and Jane Chilton Memorial Marlin Public Library, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or a charity of their choice.