A natural learner who lived a full life in rodeo and law

In El Paso, Texas, on July 19, 1942, Theodore Thomas “Ted” Hollen III was born to Emma Katurah “Cheta” Weatherford and Theodore Thomas “Tom” Hollen Jr. A brother, William Wallace “Skipper,” arrived soon after. The brothers were adventurous and bold. Two younger sisters, Patricia Hazel and Nancy Lee, were a few years behind them. Ted was protective of his sisters and enjoyed being a big brother. 

Ted’s father, Tom, was engaged in farming in the lower valley of El Paso where Ted started school at White Elementary. He kept in touch with friends in El Paso all his life. The family moved to Pecos, where Ted and Skipper graduated from high school. Ted was involved in 4-H and Future Farmers of America, raised and showed Southdown sheep, won the livestock judging award, competed in roping and riding in rodeos, played basketball on one of the first integrated teams in Texas, starred in the school play, and made lifelong friends. He attended class reunions and was looking forward to the next one in a few weeks. 

Sul Ross State University was next in his colorful career. There he rode more rough stock, mostly bareback broncs, on the rodeo team, shot out street lights, was confined to his dorm for the semester in which he made all As, worked as a bartender, sought justice for friends whom he believed had been mistreated by law enforcement, and made a D in physics. He had wanted to study veterinary medicine, but the D put the quietus to that. He loved to say that one could still go to law school with a D in physics. He studied accounting and statistics, which served him very well. He seldom resorted to pencil, much less calculator, to resolve math questions. 

After graduation in 1966, rodeo became his focus. Advice from an older rodeo cowboy led Ted to believe law school had a certain amount of appeal. When his proud father showed Ted his acceptance letter to the University of Texas Law School, he said that was very nice of them because he was going anyway. He did not understand why other students sought his opinion on class discussions; only later did he learn that his LSAT score was very high. He rodeoed constantly, studying class notes as he traveled. Ted claimed never to have taken notes; he did not seek to make high grades, just high enough. Anything else was a waste of time and over-studying. He passed the bar exam in 1969, but did not complete his Doctorate of Jurisprudence until 2003. 

Ted married Judy Couser in 1969 shortly before moving to El Paso where he joined the law firm of Pearson and Pearson. Their daughter Lin Anne was born in El Paso. Ted worked for the Republican Party and the election of John Tower to the United States Senate. This interest led to moving his family to Austin where sons Theodore Thomas “Cuatro” Hollen IV and Jason were born. Continuing his work for Senator Tower, including frequent trips to Washington, D.C., Ted also opened his sole practitioner law firm. Ted always helped family, friends, and acquaintances in need of his expertise. Many a parent never knew of a youngster’s misadventures; Ted’s lips were sealed. He was compassionate and wise. 

He received the 50-years recognition from the State Bar of Texas while practicing in Lago Vista. In April 2025, he closed that office and moved to Marfa, Texas. When asked if was going to retire from work, he answered, “I quit working when I got my law license!”

Ever the athlete, Ted learned to play golf at the urging of one of his horse friends, Dale Robertson. Horses, on the track or on his farm, were always a pleasure and avocation. Golf was to become more important as he played many well-known courses with pals and with celebrities. On any Friday, he was easily identified by his pink shirt!

Preceding Ted homeward-bound were his parents, Tom and Cheta; as well as siblings Skipper and Nancy. His three children and seven grandchildren survive to cherish his memory and to try to emulate his style. They are Lin Anne and Eric McFarland with Casen Thomas, Emma Catherine and Libby Nicole of Cypress, Texas; Cuatro Hollen and Julie Bennett with Hailey Rose Hollen, Jackson, Ashton, Aisley and Jett Bennett of Austin, Texas; Jason and Spring Hollen with twins Damon Cole and Madeline Joy and Carson Jadon Hollen of Liberty Hill, Texas. Ted’s wonderful sister Patty and her husband Glen Moreland live in Fort Davis and were an important part of Ted’s life.

For Ted, life was a dance, literally, at every opportunity he danced and sang. He and his dance partner, Hester Ann White of Marfa, delighted in 23 years of happiness, laughing at the world and each other every day, all the way. In fact, they went to a party and dance on Saturday, October 11.

In El Paso, Texas, on October 13, 2025, Ted Hollen came full circle. He died after a very brief illness. A memorial to this remarkable man will be held in Marfa, at the church he attended, First Presbyterian, on Saturday, November 15, 2025. This service will begin at 11 a.m. to be followed by a lunch featuring Ted’s favorites. All his friends and family are most welcome. A Celebration of Life will be hosted by his children in Fredericksburg on November 29, at the Lady Bird Golf Course from 1 to 5 p.m.

Commemorative gifts will be appreciated by:

American Quarter Horse Foundation, P. O. Box 32111, Amarillo, Texas 79120
Bloys Campmeeting Association, 6200 FM 307, Midland, Texas 79706