THOMAS ANTHONY HAGEMANN
1956-2015
Thomas "Tom" Hagemann was born to Maxine and Colonel Joseph A. Hagemann on June 16, 1956. He was an Air Force brat who grew up all over the world, including stints in Iran, England, and Seguin, Texas. He graduated magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Rice University in 1978, and obtained his law degree from Yale Law School. He went on to work as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Criminal Division in Los Angeles from 1985-1991. Tom was selected to be a Robert Bosch Fellow in Germany, and from 1991-1992, he worked for the federal Environmental Ministry in Bonn and then for the state administration in Leipzig in former East Germany. In 1992, he began working in Houston, first as a partner at Mayor, Day, Caldwell & Keeton and then at Gardere Wynne Sewell. He was a trial lawyer whose practice focused on white-collar criminal matters, and he was repeatedly recognized by a variety of publications as one of the best lawyers in the area, both in Texas and nationally.
Law was just one of many passions for Tom; he was also a writer, a playwright, an actor, a photographer, an artist, a cyclist, a hiker, a trip leader, a husband, a father, and a friend. He brought to each of these pursuits his powerful intellect, his love of fun, and his legendary high-pitched cackle. He was excited and looking forward to the premiere of his second play "1946," featuring his favorite leading lady, at Houston's Main Street Theater in March of 2016.
Tom met and wooed that leading lady and the love of his life, Christianne Mays, in 1984. They married shortly after in 1993. They had two children, Emma and Max Hagemann, and by all accounts, Tom was an insanely proud and devoted husband and father. He loved his family beyond all reason and cheered them all to find and follow their passions and dreams. Tom had an infectious enthusiasm for life, good company, Sinatra, a perfect steak, and the definitive gin martini. He will be terribly missed.
Tom passed away on October 7, 2015 while on a bike trip in Vermont. He is survived by his wife Christi, his children Emma and Max, his mother-in-law Margaret Mays, his brothers-in-law Marshall and Kenneth, and their partners, Daniel and Stephanie, two nieces and a nephew, several cousins and many close and beloved friends.
A memorial service is to be conducted at two o'clock in the afternoon on Saturday, the 24th of October in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston. Anyone who wishes to honor Tom's memory by wearing a Hawaiian shirt and flip-flops is welcome to do so.
In lieu of customary remembrances, please consider a donation in Tom Hagemann's name to one of two causes near and dear to his heart: Main Street Theater at 2540 Times Blvd., Houston, TX 77005; or the Putney Open Door Fund at The Tom Hagemann Scholar Fund, 345 Hickory Ridge Road, Putney, VT 05346.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Houston Chronicle from Oct. 18 to Oct. 21, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Hagemann

Sponsored by Geo. H. Lewis & Sons Funeral Directors.

25 Entries

Bruce Patty

July 12, 2018

Tom and I were best friends when our families were stationed in Iran in the early 60's. I was shocked and saddened to hear of his passing. We stayed in touch over the last few years. His father, Tony, who was my father's CO, was born on 2/22. Instead of referring to that day as "Washington's Birthday", we always referred to it as "Colonel Hagemann's Birthday". My condolences to his entire family. We've lost a good one here.

Susan Nystrom

September 24, 2017

Dear Tom's family. I was looking for Tom's phone number when I found this notification. I am deeply saddened and surprised. I wanted to let Tom know that my father, Robert Hodges, passed 2 days ago. Our families shared many orders together and Tom and the Hodges girls grew up knowing each other as is the way of Air Force families. I loved Maxine and the Colonel, and still have a teacup from Maxine. I spent a very fun visit with Tom and Maxine at Yale. Tom led me on a whirlwind explore of NYC and I will never forget running behind him - with his long trench coat flapping. He would laugh over his shoulder, and encourage me that it was just a little longer to our next destination! I recently shared this memory of my only visit to NYC with my family(again). God bless you Tom, your family, and all those touched by you.
Love, Susan (Hodges) Nystrom

Samuel Catalino

May 31, 2016

He was a good friend who had no airs about him. I was very saddened to hear of his paasing, We spent many days going through London shopping for old comic books, I was glad to have a chance to chat with him a few times before his wonderful mother passed away, My sincere condolences to his bride and his two children,

Anne

April 23, 2016

I will miss Tom. His humor and intelligence were wonderful and endearing. I still have my duck reminder to spell-check documents and so many more memories.

Debra Bates

March 25, 2016

I am so sorry to hear of Tom's death. I just saw the notice in the Rice U Classnotes. Its hard for me to believe. Tom and I were Cheerleaders at Rice together. I have wonderful memories of those days. I want to express my deepest condolences to his family. Sincerely, Debra Woodhatch Bates

Maggie Gastring-Wilke

November 12, 2015

Very saddened about the loss of Tom...many of my favorite childhood memories were of Tom at the Chaparral Country Club. He was the lifeguard and we had many fun times at the pool. He was a wonderful person!

October 26, 2015

To the Hagemann family, I am so sorry . I met Tom as a client in 2008 and he has represented and counselled me since then. A few weeks ago he sent me a note, that it was time to celebrate all the issues had been settled.
His counsel and care helped me over this difficult time. His stories , laughter and wonderful confidence allowed me to endure.
As he would say the result was "phenomenal".
I will see him in his play and remember him always.An exceptional person.

May God bless you,

Tony Nocella

Mary Gibbs

October 26, 2015

I am just stunned by this turn of events - I was on a plane to Boston, catching up on my newspaper reading when his obituary caught my eye. I was wearing flip-flops at the time, and I continued to wear them throughout the day in Boston, even though I was the only person there doing so - but happy nevertheless to honor his spirit in one tiny way. I was fortunate to intersect with Tom around the volleyball courts since both of his children played the sport, and through our shared theater interests. He was an extraordinary person. Rest in peace.

Ann Hopkins

October 25, 2015

I am heartbroken over Toms passing.He was family to me. His warm and humble shine made many of my Thanksgiving and other holidays with his Mother Maxine and the rest of our family just light up.I was inspired by his quiet success and warm attention to everyone during family gatherings. I honestly didn't know much about his career. His stories were about fun and people and his family.Most heartfelt memory for life is the time over 20 tears,ago when I was about 19 and tried to make spaghetti for the entire family. We were gathered without a dinner plan one night around Christmas. It was terribly undercooked and a primitive recipe I made up in my dorm room. It was just butter and mrs. Dash but both Tom and his Mother, who was an outstanding cook, smiled and complimented me anyhow in a way that seemed so sincere, it was incredibly kind and encouraging at the time. I would have liked very much to have been able to attend his funeral and give my sentiments in person but could not. For Christine, Max and Emma my heart really goes out to you and all for your terrible loss. I hope this message brings you some peace somehow. Ann Margaret Hopkins

Stan McDonald

October 24, 2015

Tom,My prayers and condolences to your family. It was wonderful to know you and it is a pleasure knowing your family. I look forward to seeing your play in March 2016.Rest in Peace. The McDonald van Gaalen Family

October 22, 2015

Dear Christi,

I knew Tom when he was an Associate at Mayor Day. I did not keep up with him over the past 30 years, but when I saw him on the streets of Downtown Houston he would always give me the friendliest "hello, how are you"? He was a unique, talented, creative guy and I'll always remember Tom as fun, outgoing and a kind sole.

I am so very sad about his loss to you and your family and your dear friends.

Fondly,

Virginia Holbrook

Wes Peoples

October 21, 2015

Dear Christi,
Tom was one of those people that when you saw him, no matter how long it had been between visits, you felt like you were the best of friends. A word that defines him is vibrant. In his intellect and his personality, he stood out. One of the things I will miss the most is that tremendous laugh of his. I have only seen him sporadically thru the recent years but every time we gathered with old friends from SHS, Tom was there in the middle having the grandest of times. He will be greatly missed. I am sincerely sorry for your and your families loss. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

October 21, 2015

Deepest sympathy,
Houston Texas

Betty

October 20, 2015

Dear Christi,

We were so happy when you and Tom stopped by for a visit last August. This is such a shock. Tom reminded us so much of his Dad, especially his laugh and infectious personality. We had just got to know a him again and can't believe he's gone.

Christi, you, Emma and Max will be in our thoughts and prayers.

With deep sympathy from your Missouri Cousins.
Betty, Diane, David & Ann, and Anette

Judy Walsh

October 20, 2015

To the Hagemann Family,

I met Tom through work when he represented our company at various times throughout his career. Tom was a wonderful man with a great spirit, and I felt proud to know him.

My sympathy to you and your family.

October 20, 2015

My condolences to your family during this time of grief.

Ann Bush

October 19, 2015

Hi Christi,
I am so sorry to hear about this. I know you don't know me, but Maxine used to talk about you and how you were the perfect girl for Tom. Maxine was raised in my grandfather, John Kenney's hospital. I was fortunate to spend time with her while I was at college in San Antonio. I guess I met Tom once, but I've always considered him family. Blessings to you and yours!

Aubrey Haines

October 19, 2015

Tom was a very special guy -- always full of enthusiasm and insight. Those of us who attended high school with him were privileged to know his fun loving and gracious nature. He'll certainly be missed by all of us.
May God's blessing and comfort be with his family during this time of loss.

Our prayers are with you,
Aubrey & Donna Haines

Linda Coleman

October 19, 2015

I was lucky to get to know and appreciate Tom as we served together on the board of the Putney Student Travel scholarship program. His sense of humor and laughter definitely brightened up our early morning meetings.
I especially enjoyed the hours spent driving back to Logan Airport with him & Christi. Having the time to share each others personal stories, debate political views and discuss appropriate punishments to be meted out to misbehaving teenagers made the miles fly by.
He will be missed by all of us.
With Love,
Linda B. Coleman

The Davis Family

October 19, 2015

May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort the family today and always and may God bless and keep your family strong. (Psalm 83:18)

October 19, 2015

My thoughts are with the family in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort during these difficult days. Ps. 9:9,10

October 19, 2015

Deepest sympathy,
Houston Texas

October 18, 2015

I have so many great memories of Tom from high school. We were best friends my junior/his senior year. So many fun days and nights at his house with his wonderful parents...I just loved the Colonel and Maxine, super people...and so many crazy memories of off the wall things he would get us into. I have told some of those stories many times and still get a laugh thinking about them. I am sorry that we lost touch through the years but my nick name he hung on me from high school basketball..."Harry Miller"...still resonates with many and I was called that recently by several people at our class reunion which made me think of him. My condolences to his family for their great loss. May the many wonderful memories of this special man bring peace in your time of mourning.

Randy Hairr

The Houston Family

October 18, 2015

Expressing sincere Sympathy to family and loved
ones during this time of great loss.
Your expressions reflect a person, who was
dedicated to family & desired a better world.
May you be strengthen and guided by our Creator & His Word.
{1 Corinthians 15:21-26}

Cathy Freeman Brill

October 18, 2015

How could I ever forget those days at Rice cheering and playing volleyball. You led a full life. My thoughts are with your family.

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