Judge Tom Mulvaney died November 20, 2005 following a courageous battle with cancer. He was born June 24, 1950 in Louisville, Kentucky. He was the oldest of six children and was preceded in death by his parents, Willard D. and Elizabeth Ann Mulvaney.
Raised in Beaumont, Tom graduated from St. Anne Catholic School and Monsignor Kelly Catholic High School. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Houston and his law degree from Bates College of Law.
Tom was a well respected member of the Jefferson County Bar Association and State Bar of Texas. He began his legal career as an Assistant District Attorney for Jefferson County. In 1979, he entered private practice and was board certified in both family and criminal law. Later he joined the firm of Strong, Pipkin, Nelson, Bissell & Ledyard. He was elected Judge of the 279th State District Court in 1998, where he served until the time of his death.
Tom was selected as the Jefferson County Outstanding Young Lawyer and served as President of the Jefferson County Bar Association. He was appointed by the Supreme Court to reform Texas Child Support Guidelines and served as an instructor of Family Law at Lamar University. He distinguished himself as a strong advocate for children and families through dedicated service to CASA of Southeast Texas, Garth House, “I Have A Dream Program” and numerous other civic organizations.
Tom and his family were active members of St. Anne Parish where he served on the Parish Council and was instrumental in bringing the ACTS Retreat to the parish. Also, he served as president of St. Anne School Board and in 1999 was named Distinguished Alumnus.
Tom was known for his integrity, professionalism, service, and sense of humor. His proudest achievement was his family. An accomplished golfer in his own right, he was also very involved in sports activities with his children, coaching Little Dribblers basketball and Little League baseball. He also served as coach for the Westbrook High School mock trial team.
He is survived by Toni, his loving wife of twenty-one years and their three children, Katy, Erin, and Daniel, all of Beaumont. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Doug and his wife Lisa of Houston, Brian and his wife Mary of Austin, Chris of Horseshoe Bay, and Jack and his wife Kristy of Houston. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Kay and her husband Brad Curtis of Horseshoe Bay, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 9:30 A.M. Wednesday, November 23, 2005 at St. Anne Catholic Church with burial to follow at Magnolia Cemetery under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin, Beaumont. A gathering of family and friends will begin at 6:00 P.M. Tuesday, November 22, 2005 with a Christian vigil service to follow at 7:30 P.M. at the church.
“Then he took a little child, stood him in their midst, and putting his arms around him, said to them, “Whosoever welcomes a child such as this, welcomes me. And whoever welcomes me welcomes not me, but the one who sent me.” Mark 9: 36-37
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CASA of Southeast Texas, 2449 Calder, Beaumont, Texas 77702 or Birthright of Beaumont, 2626 Calder, Beaumont, Texas 77702.
