On October 13, a visitation for John Lee Blagg will be held at Blaylock Funeral Home from 5:00-6:15 p.m., followed by a rosary starting at 6:15 p.m. A Memorial Mass will be held on October 14 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 1103 Main Avenue, Brownwood, Texas.

John Lee Blagg lived his life in service to others. He was born in Brownwood, Texas on March 20, 1953. When he was but a few days old, he contracted a virulent virus and almost died. Upon his survival, his Grandmother Blagg declared, “This child has been spared for a purpose.” That he was, the purpose being his absolute service to others at his own expense.

John Lee was a sunny child, full of laughter and fun that delighted all who met him. He did well in school and spent his junior year in high school in Washington D. C. as a U. S. Capitol Page through the office of U. S. Representative Omar Burleson. He returned to Brownwood for his senior year, graduating with honors from Brownwood High School in the Class of 1971. That fall, he enrolled in Rice University, his father’s alma mater, graduating with a degree in history and government, his twin passions. The rest of his life, he was rarely seen without a book, usually history, in his hand.

After graduating, he spent a year working in Alaska before returning to Brownwood to join the family business, Weakley-Watson. He decided after a few years to return to school for a law degree, which he earned in 1991 from St. Mary’s University School of Law in San Antonio. John Lee clerked for the Texas Supreme Court before accepting a job in the office of the district attorney in San Angelo, Texas. He later decided to return to his hometown to establish a legal practice in civil, criminal, and immigration law. He had a robust practice in Brownwood for many years. His legal prowess, as well as his dedication to and compassion for his clients, earned him the devotion of clients and the admiration of colleagues. Upon the closing of his practice in December 2024, judges, attorneys, and employees of the Brown County Courthouse honored John Lee by throwing a retirement party for him in the Courthouse, which prompted many warm and spontaneous tributes, as well as humorous anecdotes, from those attending.

In addition to serving his clients, John Lee was active in many civic endeavors in Brownwood. Among them were membership or participation in the Jaycees, Rotary Club, Brown County Historical Society, Brown County Democratic Party (chairman for many years), Greenleaf Cemetery Board, SALSA, Rufus Hardin Heritage Center project, Tom and Lillian Grinnan Wilkinson Trust.

John Lee was an active member of St. Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church all his life, serving on the Parish Council, Finance Committee, Knights of Columbus (secretary), and as an usher.

At age 33, John Lee was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Daily, for the rest of his life, he battled this demon, along with other health issues, succumbing to the diabetes on September 22, 2026, at age 73. Although his exit was unplanned, there was a symmetry to it. He was born on the Vernal Equinox, and he died on the Autumnal.

A lesser man would have given in to these challenges, but John Lee soldiered on, maintaining a heavy work schedule as a solo practitioner and freely giving his time and expertise to organizations that needed it. He was always interested in people and their lives, inquiring about them and their families and following on with help he could ill afford to give. As a result, he lived very simply, denying himself pleasures others might pursue just so he could help those for whom he felt compassion. This genuine unselfishness earned him the devotion of many. His quick mind and big heart gained him friendships far and wide.

John Lee Blagg’s life was indeed one of purpose, of true service to and genuine love of his fellow man. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

John Lee was preceded in death by his parents Joe W. and Mary Belle Watson Blagg, by his grandparents, aunts and uncles. He is survived by his siblings, all of Brownwood: Margaret Blagg, Bill and his wife Didi Blagg, and Mike Blagg. He is also survived by all his first cousins: Lisa Schaffer of Austin, Martha Schaffer Nalepa and husband Karl of Marble Falls; Rev. James Blagg and wife Caroline of Durant, OK; Dr. Marilyn Blagg and husband Dr. Mickey Cox of West Monroe, LA; and Dr. Robert Blagg and wife Dot of New Braunfels. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews David Blagg and wife Julie of Columbia, MD (children Robin and Jeremy); Jeff Blagg of Los Angeles, CA; Perry Blagg of Austin; and Lezleigh Blagg Seerey and husband John of Fulshear, TX (children Brooklyn, Brinley, and Beau). Special cousins surviving are Nick Harrison and wife Kay of Fort Worth; Pene Harrison and Sarah Harrison Fair, both of Colorado, and Ann Carey Pitcock of Houston. Family friend and honorary aunt Renee Snow of Houston also survives him. John Lee’s close friends, near and far, lifelong and new, are too numerous to mention but all were held dearly in his heart.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Society, the 95th Bomb Group Memorials Foundation, or an organization of your choice.