The Honorable John F. Onion Jr.

Judge Onion will be very missed, but his legacy will live on in the many lives he touched and the great impact his opinions had on criminal jurisprudence in Texas. I was privileged to never not know him, as he was one of my grandfather's closest friends. He always had a funny story to tell as well as a word of advice, and at times a sarcastic lament on politics. I always left happy to have interacted with such a bright mind and kind man. My sincere condolences to Mrs. Nancy Onion and the entire Onion family.

- Laura Dally Stowe

To Nancy and Family...sincere condolences to honor Judge Onion. He was a special person who was always most courteous and respectful of Doris and I. He was a respected jurist who made significant and prolonged contributions applying the law fairly and impartially. His smile and pleasant personality were special to me each time our paths crossed. May your grief pass swiftly and your precious memories last forever.

Dear Onion family. Please accept our deepest sympathy.
Buck & Lisa Buchanan

On February 19, 1955, I eloped with my boyfriend, an airman stationed at Lackland AFB, to the Bexar County Courthouse in San Antonio. It was a Saturday and the courthouse closed at noon. We barely made it to the marriage license window with a few minutes left to spare for the ceremony. Judge Onion was the only one still in the building who could pronounce us man and wife, which he did graciously and memorably. His administrative assistant acted as our witness. My husband passed away in October 2003, after over 48 years of marriage. I think Judge Onion would have been happy to know it was one that lasted! God speed.

Dear. An y, i am so sorry. You and your family are in my prayers. Dee Coates Poole

To Nancy and her loved ones we send our deepest condolences. Jack's was a life well lived. Our community is fortunate to have had his services for so many years and will miss him greatly.

To the Family of Judge Frank Onion, our sincerest condolences. May God bless you and your family during this time of need. Rose Zamora

I had the pleasure and honor of working with Judge Onion for many years when, after his "retirement", he sat continually with the Third Court of Appeals. He was a tireless, brilliant, dedicated judge, and he and Nancy became important members of our court family. The judges, staff, and young law clerks loved Judge Onion, and he entertained us with his stories of law and politics. I never heard him raise his voice or belittle anyone. Judge Onion was truly a gentleman and a scholar, and his dedication to the law helped shape the criminal jurisprudence of Texas. May his soul rest in peace, and may light perpetual shine upon him for eternity.

I first met Judge and Mrs. Onion when I was a student in law school in the late 1950's. Judge and Mrs. Onion came to Houston to visit the law school and Dean A.A. White. Dean White introduced them to our class in torts; and, I remember thinking: "This is what a distinguished Judge and his beautiful wife should look like".

I later visited with Judge Onion from time to time (usually at Luby's Cafeteria) when he presided on the Court. My former law partner, Judge Carl Dally, and Judge Onion were close friends and intrepid workers in the law. I last visited with Judge Onion at Edith Dally's funeral here in Austin. Although I refreshed his recollection with my name, I had the feeling that it was unnecessary. He said: "Joe, it has been too long".

I had hoped to tell Judge Onion about a case I tried in Houston against Frank, when he was a prosecutor in the Harris County District Attorney's Office many years ago; but, time and circumstance intervened.

I still believe that Judge Onion and Judge Dally, his longtime associate and friend at Querencia, represent how Judges should look, and how Judges should act.

They are examples of exemplary lives well lived!

Joe Shaffer

The family had such great ties to Leon Valley and gave us such a rich history. My condolences to his family.