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The Madison Sowder/St. Thomas Moore Justice in Action Award
In the ethical tradition of St. Thomas More, Madison Sowder served as the long-time attorney for the Diocese of Lubbock. His law career, spanning more than a half-century, included service as a State District Court judge. He was a former Lubbock County Chairman of the Democrat party and generously donated his time and talents to many worthy organizations in the community. Shortly after Judge Sowder’s death, an award was established in his name that recognizes contributions by an individual to improving the quality of life and upholding moral standards by personal involvement in and dedication to the advancement and fulfillment of justice and peace in our society and human endeavors.
Never intended to be an annual award, it is bestowed at the Catholic Foundation Red Mass only when organizers believe there is a member of the legal community who merits the honor.
Past Recipients
2007 Jerry Madison Sowder
2008 Elroy D. Simnacher
2011 Hon. Gary Bellair
2013 Hon. Mark J. Hocker
2015 Hon. J.Q. Warnick
2016 Most Rev. Placido Rodriguez, CMF
2017 Richard Koenig (posthumously) and Brian Murray (posthumously)
2018 Beni Hemmeline