Lori Rae Thomas, a distinguished legal mind and beloved individual, passed away on July 20, 2025, in Fort Worth, Texas, having been born on December 24, 1954, in Fort Morgan, Colorado. Her life was marked by intellectual prowess, unwavering dedication, and a quiet but fierce commitment to her principles, leaving an indelible mark on those who knew her both professionally and personally.
The early years of Lori’s life saw her family, led by Arlo and Carlene Watchorn, traverse Colorado, Kansas, and Nebraska before finding a home in Yankton, South Dakota, in the late 1960s. A proud Yankton High School alumna of the class of 1972, she continued her academic journey at the University of South Dakota, earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1976, where a pivotal moment occurred when she met her future husband, Frank.
Shortly after her graduation, Lori and Frank began their married life in Kansas City, Missouri, as Frank embarked on his graduate studies. Lori, demonstrating her characteristic drive, pursued court reporting, attending schools in both Missouri and South Dakota, which led to her establishing a successful freelance practice and eventually serving as the court stenographer for the Dodge County Court in Nebraska.
The couple welcomed their daughter, Allison, in 1981, and their family journey continued with a move from Fremont, Nebraska, to Lubbock, Texas, in 1983, when Frank was accepted into doctoral studies at Texas Tech University. It was here that Lori initially contributed as the Placement Coordinator at the Texas Tech University School of Law, but her intellectual curiosity soon propelled her towards a new path.
Driven by a profound interest in justice, Lori embarked on her own legal education at Texas Tech Law, where she distinguished herself by earning her Juris Doctor degree in 1988, graduating magna cum laude. Her exceptional academic performance foreshadowed a remarkable career, leading the Thomas family to Fort Worth as Lori joined the esteemed law firm of Shannon, Gracey, Ratliff & Miller.
As a leading Fort Worth attorney, Lori specialized in insurance law, quickly establishing herself as a legal expert and achieving national recognition in her highly specialized field. She concluded her distinguished legal career at Brackett & Ellis in Fort Worth, retiring in 2022, leaving behind a legacy of insightful contributions and profound legal acumen.
Lori’s professional demeanor was often described as the “brains” behind legal opinions, preferring thorough research, advising, and writing over courtroom arguments. Colleagues admired her for being witty without ostentation, collaborative rather than competitive, and undeniably brilliant—a friend aptly characterized her as “quietly fierce.” Her loyalty to family, friends, and core principles was legendary, and she pursued goals with tenacious dedication, whether it was righting wrongs or completing tasks.
Beyond her formidable professional life, Lori was a passionate Dallas Stars fan, a serious birder, and a devoted museum aficionado, showcasing her diverse interests. Her profound love and care for animals were unparalleled, reflecting a compassionate spirit. Lori was predeceased by her beloved parents, Arlo and Carlene Watchorn, her brother Kenneth, and her grandparents. She is survived by her loving husband Frank, her daughter Allison, her sister Jenae (Terry) Norton, her brother Al (Linda) Watchorn, and a wider circle of cherished family, including nephews, grandniece, grandnephew, aunt, uncle, cousins, and the extended Thomas family who cherished her for nearly five decades.
For those wishing to express condolences, cards and personal notes may be directed to Allison and Frank, care of Thompson’s Harveson & Cole Funeral Home, located at 4350 River Oaks Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76114 USA.
