Mr. Thomas Burton Rhodes

Thomas Burton Rhodes Obituary


Thomas Burton Rhodes, 96, passed away peacefully on December 13,2013, after succumbing to pneumonia as a complication of hip surgery. The week before he had been working out with a trainer three times a week, testifying to his good health and commitment to exercise and living life to its fullest. He was preceded in death by his brother, Coke Horne Rhodes.
Tom was a unique man: extremely successful in his career but modest and humble in all aspects of his personal life. Although aggressive in the sports he loved, he was a kind and gentle person with a sweet nature who cared about equality and fairness. He was passionate abut education and the importance of reading as a way to help those less fortunate gain economic security, improve their status in life, and have hope in the future. He generously supported his family, friends, and charities. He inspired his children to be the best they could be and to show their gratitude for their good fortune by “paying it forward”.
Tom was born in Waco, Texas, on August 21, 1917, to Etoile Horne Rhodes and Thomas Burton Rhodes, Sr. Losing his mother at age eight, he and his younger brother Coke moved to Dallas to be reared by his aunt. He attended Armstrong, and Highland Park Junior and Senior High where he was the quarterback on the HP football team in 1935, and in the National Honor Society. Graduating Phi Beta Kappa from Stanford in 1939 (DKE fraternity), he then went to UT Austin Law School where he served as quizmaster and was editor of the Law Review. He graduated in 1942.
While in law school, he met the love of his life, Lillian Burnside, a beautiful, fun-loving, charismatic theater major who adored him. They were married in November, 1942, and shared a life of joy and laughter, tears and support and mutual interests.
Following law school he joined the US Navy ( 1942-1945) serving as an officer on a fleet mine sweeper doing convoy work in the Atlantic and the Mediterranean.
He returned to Dallas after the war to begin a private law practice.(1949-59). He joined Southeastern Drilling Corporation (SEDCO)from 1960-1979 as their VP General Counsel, later Executive vice president and then honorary board chairman.
He retired from Sedco and took the job of campaign treasurer for Gov. Bill Clements and Budget Officer during Clements‘ first term. In 1981 he was appointed by Gov. Clements to a six year term on the UT System Board of Regents and was elected by them to be vice chairman of the board.
Dedicated to his community, he served on various boards:Vice Chairman of Texas College Coordinating Board, Chairman Dallas Lighthouse for the Blind, Chairman Dallas Chapter United Nations, Board member and trustee emeritus for Center for American International Law, Zale-Lipshy Hospital, Honorary trustee of SW Medical Foundation, UT Dallas and UT Texas 125 Commission.
He was an active member of the HP United Methodist church and the Dallas Country Club. An avid reader, he also loved the outdoors: gardening, playing golf or tennis, hunting or driving his convertible with the top down.
Tom is survived and remembered with great love and affection by his wife Lillian, his four children and their spouses, Tom and Suzy Rhodes, Nate and Mary Anne Rhodes, Ellen and Thad Moore, Amy and Hugh Stephenson. Grandpa or Papa Rhodes adored his 15 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at the Highland Park United Methodist Church at ten a.m. on Friday, December 20, 2013, with reception to follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Southwestern Medical Foundation, Dallas Lighthouse for the Blind, or the charity of your choice.