Joseph Evans Attwell

JOSEPH EVANS ATTWELL died Saturday, the 27th of October 2007, in Houston, Texas. Evans, a native Houstonian, was born March 25, 1931. He was the son of St. Clare Moorhead Evans and Samuel Hudson Attwell. Evans' Texas roots were deep. His grandfather, Colonel Joseph Wood Evans, helped found Houston-based American General Corporation with Gus Wortham in 1926. His great, great grandfather was Isaac Van Zandt, who in 1842 was appointed chargé d'affairs to the United States by Sam Houston, and during his tenure in Washington, worked for the annexation of Texas to the Union. Evans attended grammar and junior high school in the Houston public system. His high school years were spent at Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Virginia. He earned his Bachelor's Degree from Rice University. He excelled at the University of Texas School of Law. Graduating in 1956, he was awarded his LLB and was honored as a member of the Chancellors and the Order of the Coif honorary societies, and the Phi Delta Phi legal fraternity Immediately after graduation, Evans joined the firm of Vinson & Elkins. In 1965 he became the youngest partner in the history of the firm. Evans possessed a great love for Rice University. Attendance at Rice was an Attwell family tradition. His aunt, two uncles, and four cousins are Rice graduates. He served on the Board of Governors of Rice commencing in 1982. Subsequently, he was elected a Trustee of the University, retiring from that distinguished board in 1996. He received the coveted Owl Club Award in 1990 and the University's Gold Medal in 1997. Evans was Managing Partner of Vinson & Elkins from 1981 to 1991. In this position he demonstrated both his keen legal mind and exceptional leadership skills. He was highly regarded by his partners and by the national legal community. He loved helping and challenging many bright, young lawyers to achieve their personal best and to excel in their profession. He served as a director of at least 15 corporations, including the American General Corporation, Dain Rauscher, Ocean Energy, the Galveston-Houston Corporation, and many others. His essence revealed itself in the warm and loving interaction he enjoyed with his children and grandchildren. Above all, he cherished his sweetheart and loving wife, Mary Petersen Attwell. A larger-than-life personality, booming voice, infectious laugh, and deep loyalty were just a few of the many qualities that drew so many to him. Evans loved golf, a game he shared with many of his close friends. He spent many joyful hours with his beloved golden retrievers, Buffy, Ginger, Rum Dum, Chap, and Buck. Evans was devoted to the Houston community. This spirit was embodied in his quiet assistance to families who were truly in need. He had a deep interest in a healthcare safety net for indigent and uninsured citizens of Harris County. He expressed these passions as Chairman of the Board of Managers of the Harris County Hospital District. Medical and chemical research and their practical applications for helping humanity fascinated Evans. As Chairman of the Board of the Welch Foundation, he recognized the achievements of the most prestigious chemists worldwide and their contributions to mankind. His public service included the Salvation Army Advisory Board, Goodwill Industries, Houston Medical Foundation, Alley Theater, Parish School, Houston Chamber of Commerce, the Prostate Cancer Research Initiative, and the Stehlin Foundation for Cancer Research. Evans is survived by his wife of 51 years, Mary Petersen Attwell, of Houston; his five children, Mary V. Attwell, John T. Attwell, Evans S. and wife Theresa Attwell, Emily S. Attwell, and Carol P. Attwell; his six grandchildren, Petersen Attwell, Noah Rowntree, Evans Attwell II, Patrick Attwell, Georgie Rowntree, and Mary Evans Attwell; his aunt, Alice Evans Pratt, his sister Clare Glassell and husband Alfred Glassell Jr., sister Emily Crosswell and husband Holcombe; Alice Garber, his devoted, long-time assistant and family friend; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. A memorial service will be held at eleven o'clock in the morning on Friday, the 2nd of November 2007, at St. John the Divine Episcopal Church, 2450 River Oaks Boulevard. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Harris County Hospital District Foundation for the Radiation Therapy/Cancer Care Center of Excellence at the Harris County Hospital District. Harris County Hospital District Foundation, P. O. Box 301168, Houston, Texas, 77230, or to the charity of your choice.