Thomas Jefferson Hamilton 97, of Hemphill, Texas passed away at his home surrounded by family after a brief battle with cancer, on Saturday, October 21, 2023. Thomas was born to Henry Jefferson Hamilton and Eula Mae (Retherford) Hamilton on Sept 6, 1926, in Newton County, Texas.

Thomas spent early years being raised in Newton County and later moving to Hemphill with his parents and sister. Upon marriage to his first wife, he joined the United States Army serving two years during World War II.  Later moving to Freeport, Texas where he raised his family while working at Dow Chemical and surveying for Max Hagan. He was a member of West End Baptist Church, Freeport, Texas.

At that time Thomas chased his daughters while they enjoyed band, twirling, volleyball and softball.  He coached and refereed softball and volleyball as well. Thomas was an avid hunter, fisherman and game conservationist in Sabine County. He raised foxhounds and loved raising and working his cows and growing a garden every year.  He was a member of First Baptist Church Hemphill, Texas and served as a Deacon.  He was active with RA's as well. Thomas served on many committees and organizations such as the Texas Militia as a young boy, Lions Club, VFW post 10351 and former Commander of American Legion post 197 were just a few. He worked in the timber and survey industry in Sabine county, the oil exploration industry all over the State of Texas and Louisiana and as a Liaison to Brazoria County Commissioner Sonny Travis and Mr. Travis' district constituents before retiring back to Sabine County.  Thomas returned to Sabine County where he served two and one half terms as Justice of the Peace of Precinct 1 and was appointed to Justice of Peace of Precinct 2.

He is survived by his wife of 16 years, Betty; a brother, Robert Hamilton of Hemphill; daughters, Sandra (Sandy) Stepp of Kingwood, TX, and Glenda Burwood and husband, Werner Burwood, of Hemphill;  a special niece, Dean Ford (Buzzy) of Clute, TX; stepdaughters, Myra Lewis (Ray) of Jefferson, TX and Kay Lewis (George) of La Vernia, TX;  four grandchildren and six step grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and 11 step great grandchildren, four step great-great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Judge is well known for his stories of Sabine County at the breakfast table at Brookshire Brothers in Hemphill. Loved and treasured by so many especially his "adopted" boys in the county.

He is predeceased by his parents; his wife of 38 years and mother of his children, Maxine Flournoy Hamilton; second wife of 20 years, Dixie Newberry Hamilton; sister, Uni Bell Cannon; brother, T. R. Retherford; sister-in law Francis Hamilton, son-in-laws Jerry Stepp and Wayne Lewis; nieces, Jeffery Lynn Strickland and Annette Conner; and longtime friends and partners in crime, Clement McDaniel and Bill Reynolds

The family will gather at Starr Funeral Home Wednesday, October 25, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in memory of the Golden Legacy he has left, welcoming visitors.

The funeral service will be held at First Baptist Church Hemphill, Texas, Thursday, October 26, 2023 beginning at 10:00 a.m. under the direction of Starr Funeral Home.  He will be laid to rest in the City of Hemphill Cemetery following the service.

Serving as pallbearers are Nick Harmon, Werner Burwood, Josh Vance, Nick Hearon, John Brewton, Larry Lindsey and Doug Williams. Honorary Pallbearers are the Deacons of First Baptist Church.

Flowers are welcomed and donations to First Baptist Church or Sabine County Cowboy Church will be cherished.

Memories and condolences may be shared at starrfuneralhome.com.