Mr. SHELDON ANISMAN

FORT WORTH -- Sheldon Anisman passed away peacefully Sunday morning, Nov. 6, 2016. Mr. Anisman was 82. Service: 10 a.m. Thursday in the sanctuary of Beth-El Congregation, 4900 Briarhaven Road, with Rabbis Ralph Mecklenburger, Brian Zimmerman and Jordan Ottenstein officiating. Following committal prayers, he will be laid to rest in the Beth-El Section at Greenwood Memorial Park. Family and friends will gather in the Great Hall at Beth-El Congregation for a minyan service at 6 p.m. with a reception to follow. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, consideration of contributions to Beth-El Congregation, Community Hospice of Texas or a charity of choice, in his memory, is suggested. Born the son of Abe and Ida Marcus Anisman in Memphis, the bustling county seat of Hall County, Texas, on May 18, 1934, Sheldon was destined to lead a life worthy of emulation. Desiring to take advantage of educational opportunities not readily available in isolated Hall County, at a young age he left home, first attending Peacock Military Academy in San Antonio, followed by a brief year at home. He completed his high school education at Wentworth Military Academy, located in Lexington, Mo. When home, Sheldon spent his time assisting his parents in the operation of their successful dry goods store, which served the needs of the farmers and citizens of Hall County. After graduating from Wentworth, Sheldon enrolled in the University of Texas at Austin, where he eventually became a member of Sigma Alpha Mu. Sheldon was one of a handful of student leaders tapped to join the Texas Cowboys, whose membership is based on exceptional leadership, spirit, character, and service. Following undergraduate school, he remained in Austin and enrolled in the University of Texas School of Law, graduating in 1957. While in the midst of beginning a storied legal career, Sheldon found time to serve in the Texas Air National Guard, driven by his keen interest in all things aeronautical while at the same time desiring to serve his country. Within a short time he found employment with the Fort Worth law firm of Simon & Simon, where he eventually rose to the position of partner and added his name to the firm's title. Following an amicable disolution of the firm, Sheldon was thereafter employed with Jackson & Walker, where he concluded his law practice of more than 50 years. A quiet, unassuming man with a keen intellect and an unmatched sense of justice and fairplay, he was greatly admired by all who encountered him: judges of both the federal and state courts; his partners; his clients; his adversaries. In May 2004 the Tarrant County Bar Association bestowed upon him its highest honor, the Blackstone Award, presented in recognition of a legal career that exemplifies professional aptitude, integrity, and courage. It is fitting that Sheldon received the Blackstone Award in tandem with his former classmate and lifelong friend, Dick Simon. A sterling legal career was but one facet of Sheldon's exemplary life. In 1974 he married Karen Barnett Ault and found time to be a wonderful husband and a father to four children. In the midst of a successful law practice and an equally busy domestic life, Sheldon's natural abilities as a quiet, effective leader and thinker compelled others to seek his assistance in the advancement of important works. He was called upon at various times to serve as the president of Beth-El Congregation, the Jewish Federation of Fort Worth and Tarrant County and the Dan Danciger Community Center. In all these endeavors, Sheldon excelled. His many friends and family will readily recall the broad scope of his interests and his passion for a wide variety of fields. He was fascinated by cars, planes, cameras and electronic gadetry; he was an enthusiastic traveller; doted on a long succession of dogs and cats; and loved his farm in Cleburne, where he spent many happy weekend hours with his family and friends like Jimmy Britain in the 1970s and '80s. Most of all, however, he loved his family, which shone through in his words, his conduct, and the very expression on his face when his wife, a child, or grandchild entered the room. That love is a legacy that will abide with all of us. He was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law, Urban Barnett and Margaret and Henry Dinklage; and his oldest grandson, Michael Douglas Brown. Survivors: In addition to his wife of 42 years, Karen, Sheldon is survived by his children, Jessica Rains and her husband, Reagan, Brent Ault and his partner, Tom Boswell, Sabrina Webster and her husband, Lon, and Amber Jens and her husband, Andrew; grandchildren, Lucinda and Archie Rains, Marie and Charles Webster and Sam and Evelyn Jens; as well as a host of cousins; and special family friend, Monica Marchi Jackson. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Mr. SHELDON ANISMAN please visit our Sympathy Store.