Legal Community Honors Edwards
by Howard Roden

Montgomery Country’s legal community turned out en masse Friday to honor the life and recognize the achievements of retired 9th district Court Judge Fred Edwards.

Edwards died Tuesday at the age of 63 after a lengthy illness. More than 500 people attended the service conducted at the First Baptist Church in Conroe.

After the presentation of the U.S. flag led by Sheriff Tommy Gage and a judicial procession that included at least 40 robed judges, 410th state district Court Judge Michael Mayes delivered an eloquent eulogy.

“The true essence of a judge is reflected in the the spirit of their day-to-day rules and how they apply their decisions,” Mayes said.

Elizabeth Edwards speaks about fond memories she has shared with her father, state District Court Judge Fred Edwards, during his funeral Friday at First Baptist Church of Conroe. Joseph and Kathryn Edwards stand behind their sister for support. For 20 years Edwards served Montgomery County as Judge of the 9th District Court.

With the exception of a few moments of tearful reflection, Edwards’ three children, son Joseph and daughters Elizabeth and Kathryn, kept the overall mood a joyous one.

‘’He was a very funny dad,” said Joseph Edwards. “Kids in the neighborhood would come over to our house so they could play board games against him.”

Joseph Edwards recalled one cross-country road trip he took with his father. It included a visit to a site where parts of his all-time favorite movie, The Searchers, was filmed.

“He and I thought it was petty neat. It helped me realize that there are only so many times you have with your father,” Joseph Edwards said.

The family showed the lighter side of Fred Edwards Friday.

Among the “fun facts about Fred,” was his spending the summer after graduating high school driving around camping in state parks.

Edwards was a big fan of the Houston Astros and the University of Texas Longhorns. His highlight was attending the Longhorn National Championship game at the Rose Bowl after the 2005 season.

Fred Edwards assisted state district judges in the Montgomery County Courthouse.

“Judge Edwards was a mentor for all of the younger judges,” said Judge Michael Seiler of the 435th state district Court.

“He’s going to be missed greatly,” Seiler said.

Conroe Courier

February 14, 2014