BRIAN PATRICK MCMAHON, JD
Brian Patrick McMahon went to meet Jesus on Sept 13, 2022. He left quite peacefully after battling liver disease and suffering for over 6 months. He was comfortable and resolute at that time, but struggled to “work until the day I die.” He shared “God Blessed the Broken Road” with his beloved wife and enjoyed pop-country music, including Rascal Flatts. He loved bicycling, participating in fundraiser walks/runs, and other programs with the Justice Foundation, local Firehouse fundraisers, Kinetic Kids, Juvenile Diabetes, Relay and Run for 21 (Down Syndrome fundraiser) and Project Mend.
As a family practice attorney, he saw a lot of pain and hurt. To balance that, he would re-watch movies like ‘the Green Mile.’ Brian especially appreciated John Koffey’s paraphrased words: I’m ready to go, Boss. I’m tried--tired of seeing people being ugly and hurting each other.
Brian’s intensions were to be fair, and to counsel toward fullness of life for every person.
Brian was born on Aug 23, 1963 in Chicago to Nancy Jean and Richard Michael McMahon, who resided in Romeoville. His grandfather gave him an unusual connection with the White Sox (as the electrician for Kaminski Park), but Brian was a true blue Cubs fan too. Brian’s parents and siblings Richard, Kathy, and Colleen all preceded him in death.
Brian began working at age eight, flinging newspapers off his bike through Chicago streets even in the winter winds. He left behind many fun cousins (Dunnings) in Chicago when the McMahon family moved to Scottsdale, Arizona in 1976. Brian thoroughly enjoyed sports, starting football & Little League at five years old. By high school, he excelled in sports, playing lineman in football and catcher in baseball. He was on the wrestling and track & field teams also. Brian graduated from Scottsdale High School in 1981 as class president, honors student, and friends with all he met. Brian cared for his Grandpa Shaw and moved out on his own when he was 17, working as a line cook, chef, and theater manager. Brian’s spiritual growth was strongly influenced by Catholic school in Romeoville and Young Life as a teen in Arizona. He felt that he was like “Rudy” (of Notre Dame and movie fame): he always wanted to return to the Midwest and play football for ND (his favorite team).
Brian received academic scholarships and started college at the Redlands (west LA), where he played football, and transferred to Arizona State University after just one year. Brian graduated summa cum laude in 1985 from ASU, with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
Brian aspired to be a professional baseball player, but instead made his mark as Lawyer with Integrity— a hard road, and a rare breed. He moved to Texas and put himself through law school at the University of Houston, graduating in 1988. Brian’s legacy is that he pulled himself up by his bootstraps and got to Texas as fast as he could.
Brian met his first wife, Gina Smiley, working at Sam’s Club. They were married from 1986 to 2002. Brian and Gina were involved with Southeast Church of Christ & had 2 children: Brianna Elise and Matthew Bryan (Natalie; now with daughters Finley and Micah). Brian enjoyed attending his children’s ball games, and he even coached Bri’s soccer team.
Brian had a general law practice in Houston for fifteen years, and eventually joined up with Traveler’s Insurance for a more routine schedule. When the opportunity to move with Travelers to San Antonio became available in 2004, he chose the move – San Antonio was his children’s favorite vacation spot. In 2008, Brian re-opened his private law practice and focused on family law.
Brian married Mary Elizabeth “Beth” Baudendistel in 2005 at Our Lady of Grace in San Antonio. ‘B-Mac’ was very happy to join the much larger family of Baudendistels of St. Louis, Missouri. He helped Beth realize her dream of rescuing horses (along with previously rescued dogs and cats) when they bought land at Bridlegate Ranch to eventually build their dream home. With the move to Bandera (the Cowboy Capital of the World) in 2017, all the family could be at one location: four rescue horses, three rescued dogs, three rescued cats and two chickens. He was devoted to ranch life and helped care for all of the animals. He would “hold down the fort” when Beth went to see family.
Brian reverted to the Catholic faith and was confirmed in 2006. He found solace as a member of the ACTS Community, attended several other retreats, and joined St. Francis of Assisi parish (after a move to a new house).
In his spare time, Brian loved reading novels by John Grisham and James Patterson, and watching Adam Sandler or Tom Hanks movies. Brian also loved vacationing in Mexico and going on cruises to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Mexican Riviera, Mediterranean, South America, Puerto Rico, Panama, and Alaska. Considering himself more of a “lone wolf,” he spent many evenings watching ‘Law & Order,’ ‘NCIS,’ & ‘Chicago Med, Fire & PD.’ He got recipe ideas from the Food Network and prided himself on Chef status in his home, even setting up ‘Chopped’ competition with Beth’s children-friends.
Brian was a consistent supporter of ASPCA, the Humane Society, the Justice Foundation, K-Love, St. Peter’s (Boerne) Catholic Church, and Wounded Warriors.
Brian battled various out-of-the-ordinary health problems including skin cancer, stomach ulcers, fractured ribs & subcutaneous emphysema, IBS, NASH & finally cirrhosis— and dealt with each. He fought and recovered as the ‘King of Come-backs.’ After each of many hospitalizations, Brian returned home, continued working, and helped around the house. He was well cared for by his devoted wife and River City Hospice until he was called home to be with the Lord. Brian received anointing of the sick one hour before he died peacefully, with a light smile on his face.
Surviving Mr. Brian McMahon is his devoted wife of 17 years Mary Elizabeth and his children. Brian was a loving uncle to many Baudendistels, Menkes, Marvins, and the Jones family. He loved cooking & sharing meals with family & friends. A memorial service and reception will take place at Bridlegate Ranch at the Bridlegate Community Center on October 8, 2022 at noon. In lieu of flowers, send a donation to a charity (animal rescue, pro-life, US military veteran support group, or any program listed previously) or drop off hay for his horses.