The front view of Tom Lea’s cenotaph reveals a striking bronze sculpture that is set solid on the base and appears to be embedded in the polished mahogany granite slab. The bronze was modeled after an actual Lea illustration depicting the south end of the Franklin mountains with the east and west sides in view. To the right is a quotation by Lea, often quoted by President Bush, about living on the east side of the mountain.

The reverse side of the cenotaph reveals highlights of Lea’s prolific career. The cenotaph’s design was conceived by Jud Burgess of Substance in El Paso, Texas and the bronze was sculpted by Gilbert Beall, a sculptor from Austin, Texas.

Lea’s wife, Sarah, son Jim and Lea family members including grandchildren and great grandchildren attend the ceremony.

Adair Margo, a close friend of the Lea family, addresses about 75 people who attended the Tom Lea Cenotaph Dedication and Reception May 14, 2005 at the Texas State Cemetery in Austin.

Harry Bradley, the superintendent of the Texas State Cemetery gives the audience an overview of the how the cemetery has become a state treasure over the last decade and names a handful of notable Texans such as Stephen F. Austin and Tom Landry in whose company Tom Lea’s memorial lies.