The Passing of Alum T. Brockett “Brock” Hudson

The McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering lost a dear friend recently with the passing of T. Brockett “Brock” Hudson, B.S. ChE ’47, M.S. ’49, on March 8, 2014.  Brock was the 1980 Distinguished Graduate for chemical engineering at UT Austin, a former department External Advisory Council member and founder of the T. Brockett Hudson Professorship in Chemical Engineering established in 1978.

After Brock graduated in 1949, he began working in the Research Labs at Texaco’s Port Arthur refinery. In 1952, he helped form Index Chemical Company and became its vice president. Following the sale of that company, Brock formed Southwest Chemical and Plastics Company and served as its president and chairman of the Board. During the 18 years Brock led Southwest Chemical, the company grew from a plastics compounder with one facility near Seabrook, Texas to a multi-product chemical company with operations in several states and in Europe. In 1978, Southwest Chemical was sold to Thiokol, and Brock retired shortly thereafter.

Originally from Anson, Texas, Brock was the youngest of four children. He interrupted his college career to serve in the U.S. Navy during World War II and returned to finish his degree and marry the love of his life, Dorothy (Dottie) Dillinger. The couple met on the dance floor of the Student Union and continued to be avid ballroom dancers throughout their marriage. Brock and Dottie were also loyal Longhorn fans, holding season tickets for football games and men’s and women’s basketball games.

Dottie passed away in April 2013. Brock is survived his four children and their spouses, eight grandchildren, his sister-in-law, Merle Fincher of Austin, and numerous nieces and nephews and their children.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch in Amarillo, Texas or Meals on Wheels and More in Austin, Texas. Brock’s service was held Saturday, March 15 at Querencia Barton Creek in Austin, Texas.