OBITUARY
Thomas Gerald Treece
April 9, 1945 – July 13, 2020
Thomas Gerald Treece, age 75, of The Woodlands, Texas passed away on Monday, July 13, 2020. Thomas was born April 9, 1945.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.forestparkthewoodlands.com for the Treece family.
Memories
Thomas Gerald Treece
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYTom Hunter
April 9, 2021
In 1967-'68, I shared an apartment with Treece and two other students at Cougar Apartments on Calhoun Road. Once I accompanied him to a bank in downtown Houston, where he talked them out several miniature UH helmets that otherwise were only given to depositors. He was quite a talker. I just recently learned of his passing. My condolences to his family and and friends and may God bless his soul.
Josanna Smith
October 31, 2020
The first thing I think of when I remember Gerry was his great smile and uplifting greeting when we were at UH. I can perfectly picture him opening the bus door as bus driver with his great greetings to take us to UH from an off campus dorm. It was a smile for a lifetime.
He was a gentle giant in many ways, not the least being his genius and kindness. Thank you for everything, Ger and Family. You gave a lifetime of service, my dear friend. Rest In Peace
Benjamin Burt
October 30, 2020
To the family and loved ones of Dean Treece,
Having just learned of his death of via the Texas Bar Journal, I extend to you all my sincere condolences. Many have rightly mentioned his many incredible and, truly, record breaking and record setting accomplishments. My remembrance, however, is more low key, I suppose. I did not compete in Mock Trial or Moot Court, but I did clerk for Dean Treece back in the early-mid 1990s. I remember his massive intelligence, keen wit, smiling eyes, and passion for the law. I also remember the way he also remembered my name, actually sought my input, and would send my down to the little snack bar for a bowl of potato soup mid-afternoons. Most of all, however, I remember how he granted me a private meeting, during which he listened to me and then outlined a course of action -- supported by his personal endorsement -- which literally made it possible for me to be able to say today that I am a proud member in good standing (inactive) of the State Bar of Texas. I have never forgotten that kindness, as I have thought of him regularly and frequently over the years. What a great man he was, I think that's the side the public knew through media appearances and winning awards. However, I can personally attest he was also a good man, and that seems to be an increasing rare find these days.
Rest in Peace. May his memory be a blessing.
With loving gratitude,
Ben
Benjamin M. Burt, Jr.
STCL Graduate December 1996
JOHN WOODS
August 1, 2020
I have watched Professor TREECE for years on Chan 11 Saturday morning news show. He was very informative in the limited time they gave him to explain complex legal problems to the public. He was another giant in the community that helped the common man. R.I.P. Prof. TREECE.
Randal Hendricks
July 27, 2020
Jerry and I were classmates at UH law school, and had a number of classes together. We also became friends for life, the kind where, while you did not socialize much, you nevertheless always were a friend and when you talked/met, you took up where you last left off. We also worked on several cases together and talked legal theory from time to time. I judged more than one South Texas competition for him.
He was a great human, with loads of compassion, a truly remarkable person, who will be missed.
John Dies
July 23, 2020
So many of us owe Dean Treece a debt of gratitude. Hundreds of lawyers benefited from his mentorship and the world class program he created.
He was a lot more than a coach. I can recall a time when the team was at his house, and there was a lot going on. He looked at his watch, and stopped what he was doing, to go call his elderly mother and tell her it was time to go downstairs to eat. I just happened to walk by, and I remember being struck by his kindness with his mom, and thinking he may be a legal legend, but he is also a great guy.
Years later when I called to ask if he had an recent grads looking for work, he remembered who I was and even details about my competitions, he always made you feel important no matter how busy he was.
Rest In Peace Coach, and Godspeed.
Eugene Clayborn
July 22, 2020
Professor Treece - Constitutional Lawyer- Coach - Inspiration - the man, the mentor, the consumate educator. Thank you investing in my dreams, hopes and aspirations. God bless you always and may you rest in eternal peace.
Don Kobos
July 20, 2020
Dr.Treece was always a gentleman and a great interview. He will be missed. Don Kobos
Ida Murguia
July 20, 2020
Best law professor ever!! His kindness and compassion as a teacher will be greatly missed. He always brought out the best in ALL of his students!!!
With deepest condolences,
Ida Murguia
Austin, TX
STCL Graduate 1996
Bonnie Sudderth
July 20, 2020
Professor Treece was my favorite law professor. I actually looked forward to his classes.
Bonnie Sudderth
Chief Justice
Second Court of Appeals
Fort Worth
Bea Rouse
July 20, 2020
I was saddened to hear of Dean Gerald Treece's passing. I was fortunate to, on behalf of my boss, David H. Burrow, n the early '90s, to work with Dean Treece for three years producing the American Board of Trial Advocates' Regional Mock Trial Competitions in Houston.
During the times when there was a lull in the competitions, I was privileged to have discussions with him regarding the state of the legal community / case rulings, etc.
He was a tremendous asset to South Texas College of Law throughout his esteemed career and in large part responsible for the the ranking of "#1 Best of the Decade for Moot Court," though his law students were the best actually for probably three decades, thanks to his training. Literally thousands of trial lawyers have been enriched due to his exemplary tutelage.
Mary McKerall
July 19, 2020
I may be one of the few who remembers Jerry's days as a bus driver for dormitories at the University of Houston. Being greeted by his wonderful smile was a great way to start the day. We were in the same first year classes, including Professor John Mixon's real property. I remember his reaction to Texas adverse possession law like it was yesterday. To say he did not like the right was to put it mildly.
Itze Soliz
July 17, 2020
Prayers and Blessings to the Treece Family. Dean Treece was a dynamic trailblazer for STCL and for the students. He was a friend and it was an honor to be part of the Board of Advocates at STCL under his leadership. He will be missed.
Itze Navarro Soliz
Attorney and Mediator
Linda Haskins
July 17, 2020
What an amazing,kind man. He will be remembered.
patrick hughes
July 17, 2020
Bon Voyage Jerry after decades of service to others, and your contributions to the law, justice and fairness. Cynthia and I will miss you, and our added bonus encounters walking the McCulloch track. Your service to the school and mentoring to 2 generations of students will be a legacy worth having. Have fun with OQ in the next phase until we all will join in the life beyond.
Dot Meindok
July 16, 2020
Dean Treece was responsible for not liking my unusually long name. So, he coined the name "Dot" which has established my legal identity. He was a man that saw a broken combat veteran girl and along with STCL built me and made me into a smart, confident, capable lawyer that never quits even in the face of tremendous obstacles. Recently, tragedy has struck very hard in my career and personal life and my mom informed me of his passing. I am sad. I am also reminded of how much he believed in me and it gives me inner strength to move forward because he didn't believe in quitting. I was hoping to see him soon as I moved back to Texas. I admired him and am proud to have displayed his "bobble head" in my office and talk about him when people asked. I can still hear him say that "whenever a person uses the word "clearly" it is a sign that nothing is clear, so beware, stop, look and listen. I have used that many times in my life.
The legal community worldwide is at a great loss. My heart and prayers go to all of his family and loved ones and legal family. Our school will never be the same without him.
Love, peace and healing be yours. Rest in peace Coach.
Dot Meindok, STCL 2010
Alan Levin
July 16, 2020
Gerry and I were law school classmates and friends and have remained in touch from time to time over the ensuing decades. We served together on the University of Houston Law Review along with John O'Quinn. It was a happy, wonderful time the memories of which I shall always cherish. Gerry was intensely bright, completely committed to learning , pursuing and defending the law. He was of impeccable character who cared so very deeply for his fellow man. Gerry never met an enemy and was one of those rare individuals who enhanced the lives of all those with whom he came in contact. In over 50 years, I never heard anyone say an unkind word about Gerry. He was loyal under all circumstances to friends and family. He was committed to mentoring not only his students but virtually anyone who had lost their way and needed a helping hand, encouragement and guidance. Space limitations require the I conclude for there is surely much more to say about this dear and special gentleman who always made time for anyone who sought him out. Condolences to his remarkable family. May the
many wonderful memories of his incredible life and his amazing accomplishments be for a continuing blessing and source of strength to all of us who loved and will miss T. Gerald Treece
Richard Pena
July 16, 2020
I had Professor Treece for Torts at University of Texas School of Law in the early 70s. He was a very good professor and one of my favorites. I particularly enjoyed his attitude. He helped mold many current lawyers, and consequently the Rule of Law. I will remember him fondly.....Richard Pena
Keith Johnson
July 16, 2020
I consider Gerry to be one of the primary influencers of my life. My father taught his high school bible class in Odessa, he taught my high school bible class, he mentored me through struggles and victories as a young man. 15 years later he mentored my wife as she tackled law school with 3 kids and a full time job. Through it all Gerry and Sue's faith, grace, humor and generosity were guiding lights for us to follow.
Sue, from the entire Johnson family, we share our love and prayers with you!
Kimberly Cauthorn
July 16, 2020
I will always have such fond memories of Professor “Coach” Treece and the copy of the Constitution that he carried in his pocket. He instilled such love and loyalty from his amazing advocacy teams.
George Willy
July 16, 2020
I am a 1985 graduate of South Texas College of Law. In the early '80s, our advocacy program was beginning to take its rightful place in the pantheon of champions. Dean Treece was already being hailed as this magician of polemics. He would whisk passed us with long speedy strides followed by a faithful brood looking up to him as if he were Socrates. The loyalty he engendered could only be understood if someone took the time to see him at work. Never offensive, always supportive. He made stutterers among us into Demosthenes. I had the opportunity to pass through his parade, albeit briefly. He burst into the basement in which our school began and took us all into the grand battlegrounds of advocacy. Farewell Dean Treece.
Stephen Hyland
July 16, 2020
Professor Treece was my Torts professor and you couldn't ask for a kinder and better teacher. I still remember the phrase he used frequently in class: "garden-variety tort". And throughout my law school studies, he was a good friend. I'll never forget how supportive he was when I started the Gay & Lesbian Law Students group. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing. My condolences to his family and many friends.
Caroline Ordener
July 16, 2020
I loved this man. I took a class at UofH School or Architecture in "Urban Planning Law" with him. He was always on the bottom line of an issue and very understandable in his presentations. His may have been the best course I took at UofH working on a Master's in Public Administration. Moreover, I got an A. He laughed when I asked for extra time to turn in a paper and gave me until July 4th to get it in. My paper was postmarked on July 4th and, when I checked to make sure he got it, he was still laughing over it being the only mail he though he had ever received postmarked that day. I also loved watching him on Channel 11. I know his family as to miss and love him most of all. I hope family can appreciate the love he engendered in others. Peace and Love
Gene Locke
July 16, 2020
A true credit to the legal profession. His influence will radiate from years to come. May you Rest In Peace, my friend.
Craig Ball
July 16, 2020
I'm deeply sorry to hear of Gerry's death. I worked for him as an adjunct professor and team coach in the early 1980s and witnessed firsthand the skill and dedication he brought to establishing South Texas College of Law as an incubator for champion advocates. No one deserves more credit for that success. He was a singular person, as towering in reputation as in stature. He brought a sense of family to his teaching, and was always fun to be around. I'm saddened to realize I will never see him again. Rest in peace, Dean Treece.
Trena Denley
July 15, 2020
Dean Treece was such a fine man, coach, professor, attorney, and advocate. What a tremendous loss.
Marjie Podzielinski
July 15, 2020
I so appreciated all the knowledge you shared on TV You generously gave your time and expertise God bless your family
Vernon Brown
July 15, 2020
Sue, I was in school with Jerry at LCC and enjoyed knowing him and going to school with him. I tell people all the time he was the first male cheerleader we had at LCC and how well respected he was by the student body there. I know you will miss him and I, along with so many others will cherish his memory and appreciate him for what he has done throughout his lifetime. Our sympathy and prayers are with you and the family.