Tom Hamilton (Plainview)

Thomas Earl Hamilton, 82, of Plainview, departed this world on Sunday, June 10, 2018, from Matador, Texas. Tom was born on May 30, 1936, in Matador. He graduated from Matador High School in 1955 and Texas Tech University in 1960 with a degree in Industrial Engineering.  He served in U.S. Army Intelligence for three years including assignments during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Tom married Jan Barton of Matador in 1963. In 1965 he graduated first in his class from Baylor School of Law in Waco, becoming a third generation attorney in his family.  Tom joined the law offices of LaFont, Tunnell, Formby, LaFont and Hamilton, L.L.P., in Plainview (currently LaFont, Formby & Hamilton, L.L.P.), and later welcomed his sons, Brent and Rob, into the law firm. Tom served as County Attorney for Hale County in 1969 and District Attorney from 1969 to 1974.  He served as City Attorney for Plainview from 1978 to 1990, and was City Attorney for Matador at the time of his death.  Tom was recognized by the State Bar of Texas as a 50-year practicing attorney in 2015 and was thrilled that many members of his family could join him in San Antonio for the recognition.  Tom was a highly respected lawyer across our area.  One colleague aptly described Tom as “a great mentor, ally, and friend.” Tom was a life-long member of First United Methodist Church. He was a member of the Lions Club, State Bar of Texas, American Bar Association, Hale County Bar Association, and a committed 4-H Club sponsor for Hale County. Tom is survived by his children, John and wife, Tamara, of Lubbock; Brent and wife, Cari, of Lubbock; and Rob and wife, Mary Elizabeth, of Matador. His beloved grandchildren are Channing, Clark, Ashley, Jack, Tom, and Roye.  Siblings include Dick Hamilton and wife, Patti, of Willow, Alaska; Harry Hamilton and wife, Ann, of Lubbock; and Mary Jane Carter and husband, Carl, of San Saba.  He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Josephine Hamilton of Matador. Funeral service is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 23, 2018, at First United Methodist Church, 1001 West 7th Street, Plainview, Texas. The graveside service will follow at 3:00 p.m. at the East Mound Cemetery in Matador.  Visitation is scheduled for Friday, June 22, 2018, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Kornerstone Funeral Directors, Plainview, Texas.  The family requests in lieu of flowers that memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Matador, P.O. Box 288, Matador, Texas 79244, or to the charity of your choice.