Thomas W. Luce III has died. He was 86, according to published reporting, which identified him as a Dallas attorney and longtime civic leader.
His work extended from Dallas civic life to federal service and organizations addressing education, mental-health policy and Texas’ long-term future.
Planning for Texas’ bicentennial
Texas 2036 identifies Luce as its founder and says he built the organization around long-range planning for the state ahead of its 2036 bicentennial.
Education, mental health and federal service
In a statement confirming his death, the George W. Bush Presidential Center described Luce as a champion of education reform who worked to improve children’s opportunities to read and succeed.
Published reporting says Luce served as a U.S. assistant secretary of education. Published reporting also credits Luce with founding or leading organizations focused on math and science education, school performance and mental-health policy.
Together, those roles connect his Dallas civic career with education work at the federal level and institution-building focused on statewide policy.
