This is a preview of our Texas 2036 newsletter providing an overview of the life and legacy of Tom Luce. To receive this weekly look at our work, sign up here.
This week, we join Texans across the state in mourning the passing of Tom Luce—our founder, chairman emeritus and a tireless champion for Texas.
Tom believed the future wasn’t something to wait for. It was something to build.
Today, we honor the remarkable life of a leader whose optimism, generosity and vision will continue to shape Texas for generations to come.
About Tom Luce
Tom wore many hats in his lifetime: legal fixer for business titan Ross Perot Sr., Texas gubernatorial candidate in the 1990s, public servant in the George W. Bush administration, leader at Lyda Hill Philanthropies, co-founder of Meadow Mental Health Institute and the National Math and Science Initiative.
No matter the role, his greatest passion was creating opportunities for the next generation. Tom believed every young Texan deserved the chance to succeed, and that the best decisions come from collaboration, long-term thinking and trusted data. That philosophy ultimately became the foundation of Texas 2036.
Building Texas 2036
Ten years ago, Tom Luce challenged Texans to think beyond today and build a stronger future for the next generation. That vision became Texas 2036.
From the beginning, Tom insisted our work be grounded in one principle:
“Without data, you’re just another person with an opinion.”
Under his leadership, Texas 2036 was built to provide trusted, nonpartisan research that helps Texans understand where the state is today, and where it needs to go tomorrow.
📺 Watch Tom share the vision that started it all.
The Heart Behind Tom Luce’s Vision
While Texas knew him as a lawyer and public servant, Tom’s family knew him as a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He often said that faith, family and friends were what mattered most, and he lived by those values every day.
His grandchildren—whom he proudly called “The Magnificent Seven”—were among his greatest joys and a constant reminder of why long-term thinking mattered.
Those closest to Tom say his life’s work was never about recognition. It was about leaving Texas, and the people he loved most, better than he found them.
How Texas Remembers Tom
Texans are remembering Tom Luce as a visionary leader, trusted adviser and public servant. Explore stories and tributes celebrating the life, leadership and lasting impact of the man whose vision continues to shape the future of Texas.
Must read stories:
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- Tom Luce’s character outshined his many accomplishments (Dallas Morning News)
- Tom Luce: Citizen, Public Servant (George W. Bush Presidential Center)
- Dallas attorney, policy leader Tom Luce dead at 86 (CBS News)
- Tom Luce, one of the state’s influential behind-the-scenes leaders, dies at 86 (WFAA)
Our Favorite Stories About Tom:
From unforgettable adventures to thoughtful conversations about Texas’ future, these stories reflect the curiosity, optimism and servant leadership that defined Tom’s life.
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- The Adventures of Tom Luce (D Magazine)
- Tom Luce: “Texas Has Opportunity to Act Before We’re in Crisis Mode” (Texas Monthly)
- 3 Things that make Tom Luce the most interesting man in Texas (Texas 2036)
- Texas Twenty: Tom Luce (Texas Monthly)
Tributes to Tom
Tom’s leadership touched countless lives across Texas. These reflections from friends, colleagues and public leaders speak to the wisdom, generosity and vision that made him one of the state’s most respected voices.
🕊️Leave a Tribute: Tom believed the story of Texas is written by the people who shape it. If you had the privilege of knowing him, we invite you to share a favorite memory, lesson or reflection. Share Your Memory.
“We have lost a great Texan with the death of Thomas W. Luce III. Tom was a champion of education reform. He believed that every child had potential and deserved the right to read and succeed. Without Tom, Texas would not be the powerhouse that it is.“
President George W. Bush
via George W. Bush Presidential Center
“Tom Luce was one of the most important people in my life and I will miss him deeply. His death is an enormous loss for our home state of Texas, our country, and everyone who cares about bringing people together to work for things like improving education opportunities for our children.”
Margaret Spellings
President and CEO of the Bipartisan Policy Center
“Every major project that my father was involved with or I was involved with, Tom was there. He was an extraordinarily important part of our family. It’s really emotional to think about him not being with us.
Tom Luce lived the life of 10 people. Just look at what he did. Texas wouldn’t be Texas today without Tom Luce.”
Ross Perot Jr.
“Tom Luce was a dear friend and a great Texan. He was an outstanding member of Sunset when I served as chair, and his public service goes back decades. He is remembered as a strong ally of Texas’ mental health system through his work with the Meadows Foundation and Texas 2036.”
Jane Nelson
Former Texas Secretary of State
“Tom Luce is one of the greatest Texans to ever grace our lands. He was a friend and mentor and I know that thousands of others would say the exact same thing. There are few people that live multiple lifetimes of impact. Tom was one of them. Rest in peace Tom and thank you.”
Charlie Glover
President and CEO, TLL Temple Foundation
“Tom was dedicated to finding ways to create a better future for the next generation. The Dallas Fed was privileged to have Tom on our first Advance Together steering committee, where he brought valuable insights and advice from his work with Texas 2036. He will be deeply missed.”
Lorie Logan
President and CEO, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas
“At work, he transformed mental health, education, and Texas dramatically for the better.
But his biggest impact was personal, with every single person whose life he touched. Through love and putting others always first.”
Andy Keller
President and CEO, Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute
“As one of SMU’s most distinguished alumni, he embodied the very best of our University through a lifetime of leadership and service. We are deeply grateful for all he did and extend our heartfelt condolences to the Luce family.”
Dean Jason P. Nance
