Cover photo for Troy Wayne Brimhall's Obituary
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Troy Wayne Brimhall

August 23, 1940 — February 7, 2018

Troy Wayne Brimhall


Troy Wayne Brimhall was born on August 23, 1940 in Jack County, Texas, and left this life on February 7, 2018, in Bryan, Texas, at the age of 77 years. He was the youngest of seven children born to Joseph Edgar Brimhall and Avis Smith Brimhall. Of all his accomplishments, he was most proud of his Native American heritage. His maternal grandmother with the new Texan name of Ora was of the Kwahadi Band of the Comanche Tribe, and a descendant of Quanah Parker. She married Troy's grandfather, John Smith, a Baptist missionary who founded several churches in North Texas, in Indian Territory in Oklahoma.

Troy earned a Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree from Loyola University in New Orleans. He practiced law in Louisiana and was active in political offices in Louisiana prior to moving home to Texas where he practiced as an Oil and Gas Attorney in Houston for many years.

He married Kathryn Nickelsen in 1978 and later moved to her home town of Franklin, Texas, where he was in private law practice.

Troy was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Onis Brimhall, Oather Brimhall, and Arthur Brimhall; and sisters Lorene Homer, Velma Jackson, and Edna Lewis. He is survived by his wife Kathryn,daughter Shea Batten and grandchildren: Callyn, Colton, Candyn, Carsyn, Caisyn, B.J.,Jacqueline Hayven, and Trae; great-grandchildren Gracelyn and Carmyn; sister-in-law Nova Hankins and Corey; brother-in-law Ranzell Nickelsen and Karen; numerous cousins and extended family members, loving nieces and nephews, and a host of friends, including special friends Dorothy and Paul Cherryhomes, Becky and Skip Jones, Janet and Roland Boudreaux, and family.
The family would to also show their appreciation and send much love to Judy Wolfe and Donna and Mark Dennard for always being there.

He was described most often as "one of a kind," and although an understatement, this best illustrates his bigger-than-life personality. A close friend once referred to him as "indescribable." He commanded his audience, regardless who that audience was, by both his powerful voice and his stature. Troy was loyal, faithful, and trustworthy, indeed a man whose word was his bond. His sometimes-intimidating presence was overshadowed by his kind and generous heart. He was quick to help anyone in need, anonymously, as he wanted no recognition.

His generous and loving spirit was beautifully exemplified in his devotion to his daughter and grandchildren. As a special granddaughter said, "He took on a job that wasn't his to take,” and was the father figure in the daily lives of his beloved grandchildren. He was proud of each of them, and showered them with individualized attention depending upon their interests. Whether sports, music, all things outdoors, or just spending time with them, they all loved being with their Pawpaw. He took great pleasure in riding around his beloved Comanche Peak with them and simply enjoying nature, describing plants, flowers, grasses, wildlife and birds. He honored his grandson by becoming his blood brother at the sacred place he called "The Lodge." He boasted of the sports abilities and singing talents of granddaughters and loved teaching them music.

He had many passions, with the first being family, a family he loved unconditionally. Following family he had an appreciation for Native American art and relics, and had an impressive collection on display in his law office for many years. He was passionate about music and enjoyed singing, writing music and playing the guitar. He considered unique guitars as pieces of fine art. He enjoyed talking about his early and somewhat unconventional years playing in and traveling with his band. He was an avid reader and typically liked two books at a time. He often said, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.” He stressed the importance of education to everyone when given opportunity, and if not given that, he would create an opportune time.

Troy Wayne Brimhall's life exemplified perseverance in overcoming adversarial circumstances. He was born into a loving, hard-working and patriotic family with brothers who were heroes in WWII, two of whom were prisoners of war. Even though caring and stable, his family was poor even in 1940 standards, his dad a sharecropper, and his dreams of making something of himself and especially going to college were dimmed. He faced discouraging conditions on every hand, but his brother Art recognized his passion for learning when he saw Troy carrying an armful of books continuously, and .provided the encouragement and motivation needed to believe in himself. From a country boy wearing shirts his mother sewed at home to a man graduating from Loyola with a doctorate degree is impressive, but more importantly, he was a man with a loving spirit and values that cannot be taught in any university. These traits are descriptive of a good man and a life well-lived.

The family has requested no flowers, and in lieu of flowers: donations may be made to Dallas Scottish Rite Hospital and Hospice of Brazos Valley.



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