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Lucille Mims Johnson Bradley, 100 went home to
be with her Master, Jan 12, 2014. Visitation,
Friday, 11:30-5 Collins & Johnson and 6-8 pm
First Missionary Baptist Church, 614 Ave H,
Conroe, TX, Rev. Ernest Rucker, Pastor.
Services, Saturday, 1 pm, West Tabernacle, 1900
FM 2854, Conroe, TX, Rev. A.R. Shelton, Pastor.
Rev. Ernest Rucker, eulogist, Rev. William
Denman, officiant. Interment Rosewood Cemetery,
Conroe, TX.
Mrs. Bradley was a long time member of the
community, educator in the CISD, church
vocalist, musician and a active community
leader. She will be missed by many.
- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/courier/obituary.aspx?n=lucille-mims-johnson-bradley&pid=169119666&fhid=19406#sthash.Vky1CZuu.dpuf
Lucille Mims Johnson Bradley, 100 went home to
be with her Master, Jan 12, 2014. Visitation,
Friday, 11:30-5 Collins & Johnson and 6-8 pm
First Missionary Baptist Church, 614 Ave H,
Conroe, TX, Rev. Ernest Rucker, Pastor.
Services, Saturday, 1 pm, West Tabernacle, 1900
FM 2854, Conroe, TX, Rev. A.R. Shelton, Pastor.
Rev. Ernest Rucker, eulogist, Rev. William
Denman, officiant. Interment Rosewood Cemetery,
Conroe, TX.
Mrs. Bradley was a long time member of the
community, educator in the CISD, church
vocalist, musician and a active community
leader. She will be missed by many.
- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/courier/obituary.aspx?n=lucille-mims-johnson-bradley&pid=169119666&fhid=19406#sthash.Vky1CZuu.dpuf
Lucille Mims Johnson Bradley, 100 went home to
be with her Master, Jan 12, 2014. Visitation,
Friday, 11:30-5 Collins & Johnson and 6-8 pm
First Missionary Baptist Church, 614 Ave H,
Conroe, TX, Rev. Ernest Rucker, Pastor.
Services, Saturday, 1 pm, West Tabernacle, 1900
FM 2854, Conroe, TX, Rev. A.R. Shelton, Pastor.
Rev. Ernest Rucker, eulogist, Rev. William
Denman, officiant. Interment Rosewood Cemetery,
Conroe, TX.
Mrs. Bradley was a long time member of the
community, educator in the CISD, church
vocalist, musician and a active community
leader. She will be missed by many.
- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/courier/obituary.aspx?n=lucille-mims-johnson-bradley&pid=169119666&fhid=19406#sthash.Vky1CZuu.dpuf
The Legacy of Obie L.
Etheridge goes beyond the Building that bears his name
By Brad
Meyer, Contributing writer
|
 Judge
Fred Edwards dies at age 63
Frederick Eugene Edwards, a sixth generation
Texan, was born on August 2, 1950 and died in
The Woodlands, Texas on February 10, 2014 as a
result of complications from a lengthy illness.
Edwards proudly served Montgomery County, Texas
as Judge of the 9th District Court for 20 years,
until 2012. He presided over the general
jurisdiction court which heard cases ranging
from general civil and family law cases, to
massive toxic tort litigation and capital murder
cases involving the death penalty. But, Edwards
was most well known in the legal world for his
taking on numerous complex litigation cases in
his court. These cases ranged from class actions
such as the notorious "phen-fen" drug
litigation, to billion dollar merger and
acquisition cases such as the one involving
Huntsman Corporation, to the first case where
cell phone technology was used to capture a
wanted fugitive in the "Uncle Hilty" kidnapping
and murder case. He was a frequent and
sought-after speaker at national conferences on
electronic courts, mass dockets, and handling
multi-district litigation. Judge Edwards also
founded and avidly supported the Child Advocates
Program in Montgomery County. Since leaving the
judicial bench in 2013, Edwards has served as a
special judge and popular mediator and
arbitrator.
Without question, the loves of Judge Edwards'
life were his children, Joseph Edwards and wife
Katherine, and daughters Elizabeth and Kathryn
Edwards. He was so proud of them, and treasured
every opportunity to watch each of them succeed
in their own rights by achieving educational
goals and growing into happy, successful adults.
He was married to attorney Linda Thompson for 30
years, with whom he enjoyed an enduring
friendship. Throughout his life he nurtured his
passions of civil war history, old movies,
independent music [especially all things Texas],
his beloved State of Texas, and Astros baseball.
Edwards was infamous for his ability to tell
entertaining war stories, and he enjoyed
visiting historical Texas and American battle
sites. He also played regularly with his poker
group friends of 40 years.
Born in Cleveland, Texas, Judge Edwards
graduated from Conroe High School in Conroe,
Texas. His passion for politics and history
perhaps began when he served Congressman John
Dowdy in Washington, D. C. for one year during
his high school as a Congressional page, and had
the incredible fortune of being there as Martin
Luther King, Jr. delivered his "I Have a Dream"
speech on the Washington Mall. He furthered his
education with a bachelor's degree at East Texas
State University, and obtained his law degree
from the University of Houston Law Center in
1974. Prior to being elected District Judge in
1992, he managed a thriving legal practice for
18 years focusing on general civil litigation.
In addition to his loving children, he leaves to
mourn him his mother Bobbie Joyce Edwards,
brother Jimmie Edwards and his wife Debbie and
their children Rachael Edwards Threadgill and
husband Paul, Sarah Edwards, his sisters Elwanda
Edwards and Wanda Minshew and her husband Morrie
and their children Matthew Minshew and Meredith
Brewer, and her husband Eric. He is also
survived by his cousins Deborah Gurley Atwood
and Wayne Gurley and grand nieces Shelby and
Jamie Threadgill. He was preceded in death by
his father, Jimmie Carl "J. C." Edwards.
Visitation will be held at the Metcalf Funeral
Home, in Conroe Texas on Thursday, February 13th
from 5:00PM to 7:00PM. Memorial Service will be
on Friday, February 14th, 2:00PM at the First
Baptist Church in Conroe Texas. In lieu of
flowers, please donate to CASA-Child Advocates
of Montgomery County or the Montgomery County
Food Bank.
(More information about Judge Fred Edwards can
be found at
www.fedwards.com
- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/houstonchronicle/obituary.aspx?pid=169637261#sthash.yrZTveZ0.dpuf
Judge
Fred Edwards dies at age 63
Frederick Eugene Edwards, a sixth generation
Texan, was born on August 2, 1950 and died in
The Woodlands, Texas on February 10, 2014 as a
result of complications from a lengthy illness.
Edwards proudly served Montgomery County, Texas
as Judge of the 9th District Court for 20 years,
until 2012. He presided over the general
jurisdiction court which heard cases ranging
from general civil and family law cases, to
massive toxic tort litigation and capital murder
cases involving the death penalty. But, Edwards
was most well known in the legal world for his
taking on numerous complex litigation cases in
his court. These cases ranged from class actions
such as the notorious "phen-fen" drug
litigation, to billion dollar merger and
acquisition cases such as the one involving
Huntsman Corporation, to the first case where
cell phone technology was used to capture a
wanted fugitive in the "Uncle Hilty" kidnapping
and murder case. He was a frequent and
sought-after speaker at national conferences on
electronic courts, mass dockets, and handling
multi-district litigation. Judge Edwards also
founded and avidly supported the Child Advocates
Program in Montgomery County. Since leaving the
judicial bench in 2013, Edwards has served as a
special judge and popular mediator and
arbitrator.
Without question, the loves of Judge Edwards'
life were his children, Joseph Edwards and wife
Katherine, and daughters Elizabeth and Kathryn
Edwards. He was so proud of them, and treasured
every opportunity to watch each of them succeed
in their own rights by achieving educational
goals and growing into happy, successful adults.
He was married to attorney Linda Thompson for 30
years, with whom he enjoyed an enduring
friendship. Throughout his life he nurtured his
passions of civil war history, old movies,
independent music [especially all things Texas],
his beloved State of Texas, and Astros baseball.
Edwards was infamous for his ability to tell
entertaining war stories, and he enjoyed
visiting historical Texas and American battle
sites. He also played regularly with his poker
group friends of 40 years.
Born in Cleveland, Texas, Judge Edwards
graduated from Conroe High School in Conroe,
Texas. His passion for politics and history
perhaps began when he served Congressman John
Dowdy in Washington, D. C. for one year during
his high school as a Congressional page, and had
the incredible fortune of being there as Martin
Luther King, Jr. delivered his "I Have a Dream"
speech on the Washington Mall. He furthered his
education with a bachelor's degree at East Texas
State University, and obtained his law degree
from the University of Houston Law Center in
1974. Prior to being elected District Judge in
1992, he managed a thriving legal practice for
18 years focusing on general civil litigation.
In addition to his loving children, he leaves to
mourn him his mother Bobbie Joyce Edwards,
brother Jimmie Edwards and his wife Debbie and
their children Rachael Edwards Threadgill and
husband Paul, Sarah Edwards, his sisters Elwanda
Edwards and Wanda Minshew and her husband Morrie
and their children Matthew Minshew and Meredith
Brewer, and her husband Eric. He is also
survived by his cousins Deborah Gurley Atwood
and Wayne Gurley and grand nieces Shelby and
Jamie Threadgill. He was preceded in death by
his father, Jimmie Carl "J. C." Edwards.
Visitation will be held at the Metcalf Funeral
Home, in Conroe Texas on Thursday, February 13th
from 5:00PM to 7:00PM. Memorial Service will be
on Friday, February 14th, 2:00PM at the First
Baptist Church in Conroe Texas. In lieu of
flowers, please donate to CASA-Child Advocates
of Montgomery County or the Montgomery County
Food Bank.
(More information about Judge Fred Edwards can
be found at
www.fedwards.com
- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/houstonchronicle/obituary.aspx?pid=169637261#sthash.yrZTveZ0.dpuf
Judge
Fred Edwards dies at age 63
Frederick Eugene Edwards, a sixth generation
Texan, was born on August 2, 1950 and died in
The Woodlands, Texas on February 10, 2014 as a
result of complications from a lengthy illness.
Edwards proudly served Montgomery County, Texas
as Judge of the 9th District Court for 20 years,
until 2012. He presided over the general
jurisdiction court which heard cases ranging
from general civil and family law cases, to
massive toxic tort litigation and capital murder
cases involving the death penalty. But, Edwards
was most well known in the legal world for his
taking on numerous complex litigation cases in
his court. These cases ranged from class actions
such as the notorious "phen-fen" drug
litigation, to billion dollar merger and
acquisition cases such as the one involving
Huntsman Corporation, to the first case where
cell phone technology was used to capture a
wanted fugitive in the "Uncle Hilty" kidnapping
and murder case. He was a frequent and
sought-after speaker at national conferences on
electronic courts, mass dockets, and handling
multi-district litigation. Judge Edwards also
founded and avidly supported the Child Advocates
Program in Montgomery County. Since leaving the
judicial bench in 2013, Edwards has served as a
special judge and popular mediator and
arbitrator.
Without question, the loves of Judge Edwards'
life were his children, Joseph Edwards and wife
Katherine, and daughters Elizabeth and Kathryn
Edwards. He was so proud of them, and treasured
every opportunity to watch each of them succeed
in their own rights by achieving educational
goals and growing into happy, successful adults.
He was married to attorney Linda Thompson for 30
years, with whom he enjoyed an enduring
friendship. Throughout his life he nurtured his
passions of civil war history, old movies,
independent music [especially all things Texas],
his beloved State of Texas, and Astros baseball.
Edwards was infamous for his ability to tell
entertaining war stories, and he enjoyed
visiting historical Texas and American battle
sites. He also played regularly with his poker
group friends of 40 years.
Born in Cleveland, Texas, Judge Edwards
graduated from Conroe High School in Conroe,
Texas. His passion for politics and history
perhaps began when he served Congressman John
Dowdy in Washington, D. C. for one year during
his high school as a Congressional page, and had
the incredible fortune of being there as Martin
Luther King, Jr. delivered his "I Have a Dream"
speech on the Washington Mall. He furthered his
education with a bachelor's degree at East Texas
State University, and obtained his law degree
from the University of Houston Law Center in
1974. Prior to being elected District Judge in
1992, he managed a thriving legal practice for
18 years focusing on general civil litigation.
In addition to his loving children, he leaves to
mourn him his mother Bobbie Joyce Edwards,
brother Jimmie Edwards and his wife Debbie and
their children Rachael Edwards Threadgill and
husband Paul, Sarah Edwards, his sisters Elwanda
Edwards and Wanda Minshew and her husband Morrie
and their children Matthew Minshew and Meredith
Brewer, and her husband Eric. He is also
survived by his cousins Deborah Gurley Atwood
and Wayne Gurley and grand nieces Shelby and
Jamie Threadgill. He was preceded in death by
his father, Jimmie Carl "J. C." Edwards.
Visitation will be held at the Metcalf Funeral
Home, in Conroe Texas on Thursday, February 13th
from 5:00PM to 7:00PM. Memorial Service will be
on Friday, February 14th, 2:00PM at the First
Baptist Church in Conroe Texas. In lieu of
flowers, please donate to CASA-Child Advocates
of Montgomery County or the Montgomery County
Food Bank.
(More information about Judge Fred Edwards can
be found at
www.fedwards.com
- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/houstonchronicle/obituary.aspx?pid=169637261#sthash.yrZTveZ0.dpuf
Judge
Fred Edwards dies at age 63
Frederick Eugene Edwards, a sixth generation
Texan, was born on August 2, 1950 and died in
The Woodlands, Texas on February 10, 2014 as a
result of complications from a lengthy illness.
Edwards proudly served Montgomery County, Texas
as Judge of the 9th District Court for 20 years,
until 2012. He presided over the general
jurisdiction court which heard cases ranging
from general civil and family law cases, to
massive toxic tort litigation and capital murder
cases involving the death penalty. But, Edwards
was most well known in the legal world for his
taking on numerous complex litigation cases in
his court. These cases ranged from class actions
such as the notorious "phen-fen" drug
litigation, to billion dollar merger and
acquisition cases such as the one involving
Huntsman Corporation, to the first case where
cell phone technology was used to capture a
wanted fugitive in the "Uncle Hilty" kidnapping
and murder case. He was a frequent and
sought-after speaker at national conferences on
electronic courts, mass dockets, and handling
multi-district litigation. Judge Edwards also
founded and avidly supported the Child Advocates
Program in Montgomery County. Since leaving the
judicial bench in 2013, Edwards has served as a
special judge and popular mediator and
arbitrator.
Without question, the loves of Judge Edwards'
life were his children, Joseph Edwards and wife
Katherine, and daughters Elizabeth and Kathryn
Edwards. He was so proud of them, and treasured
every opportunity to watch each of them succeed
in their own rights by achieving educational
goals and growing into happy, successful adults.
He was married to attorney Linda Thompson for 30
years, with whom he enjoyed an enduring
friendship. Throughout his life he nurtured his
passions of civil war history, old movies,
independent music [especially all things Texas],
his beloved State of Texas, and Astros baseball.
Edwards was infamous for his ability to tell
entertaining war stories, and he enjoyed
visiting historical Texas and American battle
sites. He also played regularly with his poker
group friends of 40 years.
Born in Cleveland, Texas, Judge Edwards
graduated from Conroe High School in Conroe,
Texas. His passion for politics and history
perhaps began when he served Congressman John
Dowdy in Washington, D. C. for one year during
his high school as a Congressional page, and had
the incredible fortune of being there as Martin
Luther King, Jr. delivered his "I Have a Dream"
speech on the Washington Mall. He furthered his
education with a bachelor's degree at East Texas
State University, and obtained his law degree
from the University of Houston Law Center in
1974. Prior to being elected District Judge in
1992, he managed a thriving legal practice for
18 years focusing on general civil litigation.
In addition to his loving children, he leaves to
mourn him his mother Bobbie Joyce Edwards,
brother Jimmie Edwards and his wife Debbie and
their children Rachael Edwards Threadgill and
husband Paul, Sarah Edwards, his sisters Elwanda
Edwards and Wanda Minshew and her husband Morrie
and their children Matthew Minshew and Meredith
Brewer, and her husband Eric. He is also
survived by his cousins Deborah Gurley Atwood
and Wayne Gurley and grand nieces Shelby and
Jamie Threadgill. He was preceded in death by
his father, Jimmie Carl "J. C." Edwards.
Visitation will be held at the Metcalf Funeral
Home, in Conroe Texas on Thursday, February 13th
from 5:00PM to 7:00PM. Memorial Service will be
on Friday, February 14th, 2:00PM at the First
Baptist Church in Conroe Texas. In lieu of
flowers, please donate to CASA-Child Advocates
of Montgomery County or the Montgomery County
Food Bank.
- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/houstonchronicle/obituary.aspx?pid=169637261#sthash.yrZTveZ0.dpuf
Judge
Fred Edwards dies at age 63
Frederick Eugene Edwards, a sixth generation
Texan, was born on August 2, 1950 and died in
The Woodlands, Texas on February 10, 2014 as a
result of complications from a lengthy illness.
Edwards proudly served Montgomery County, Texas
as Judge of the 9th District Court for 20 years,
until 2012. He presided over the general
jurisdiction court which heard cases ranging
from general civil and family law cases, to
massive toxic tort litigation and capital murder
cases involving the death penalty. But, Edwards
was most well known in the legal world for his
taking on numerous complex litigation cases in
his court. These cases ranged from class actions
such as the notorious "phen-fen" drug
litigation, to billion dollar merger and
acquisition cases such as the one involving
Huntsman Corporation, to the first case where
cell phone technology was used to capture a
wanted fugitive in the "Uncle Hilty" kidnapping
and murder case. He was a frequent and
sought-after speaker at national conferences on
electronic courts, mass dockets, and handling
multi-district litigation. Judge Edwards also
founded and avidly supported the Child Advocates
Program in Montgomery County. Since leaving the
judicial bench in 2013, Edwards has served as a
special judge and popular mediator and
arbitrator.
Without question, the loves of Judge Edwards'
life were his children, Joseph Edwards and wife
Katherine, and daughters Elizabeth and Kathryn
Edwards. He was so proud of them, and treasured
every opportunity to watch each of them succeed
in their own rights by achieving educational
goals and growing into happy, successful adults.
He was married to attorney Linda Thompson for 30
years, with whom he enjoyed an enduring
friendship. Throughout his life he nurtured his
passions of civil war history, old movies,
independent music [especially all things Texas],
his beloved State of Texas, and Astros baseball.
Edwards was infamous for his ability to tell
entertaining war stories, and he enjoyed
visiting historical Texas and American battle
sites. He also played regularly with his poker
group friends of 40 years.
Born in Cleveland, Texas, Judge Edwards
graduated from Conroe High School in Conroe,
Texas. His passion for politics and history
perhaps began when he served Congressman John
Dowdy in Washington, D. C. for one year during
his high school as a Congressional page, and had
the incredible fortune of being there as Martin
Luther King, Jr. delivered his "I Have a Dream"
speech on the Washington Mall. He furthered his
education with a bachelor's degree at East Texas
State University, and obtained his law degree
from the University of Houston Law Center in
1974. Prior to being elected District Judge in
1992, he managed a thriving legal practice for
18 years focusing on general civil litigation.
In addition to his loving children, he leaves to
mourn him his mother Bobbie Joyce Edwards,
brother Jimmie Edwards and his wife Debbie and
their children Rachael Edwards Threadgill and
husband Paul, Sarah Edwards, his sisters Elwanda
Edwards and Wanda Minshew and her husband Morrie
and their children Matthew Minshew and Meredith
Brewer, and her husband Eric. He is also
survived by his cousins Deborah Gurley Atwood
and Wayne Gurley and grand nieces Shelby and
Jamie Threadgill. He was preceded in death by
his father, Jimmie Carl "J. C." Edwards.
Visitation will be held at the Metcalf Funeral
Home, in Conroe Texas on Thursday, February 13th
from 5:00PM to 7:00PM. Memorial Service will be
on Friday, February 14th, 2:00PM at the First
Baptist Church in Conroe Texas. In lieu of
flowers, please donate to CASA-Child Advocates
of Montgomery County or the Montgomery County
Food Bank.
- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/houstonchronicle/obituary.aspx?pid=169637261#sthash.yrZTveZ0.dpuf
udge Fred Edwards dies at age 63
Frederick Eugene Edwards, a sixth generation Texan, was born on
August 2, 1950 and died in The Woodlands, Texas on February 10, 2014
as a result of complications from a lengthy illness. Edwards proudly
served Montgomery County, Texas as Judge of the 9th District Court
for 20 years, until 2012. He presided over the general jurisdiction
court which heard cases ranging from general civil and family law
cases, to massive toxic tort litigation and capital murder cases
involving the death penalty. But, Edwards was most well known in the
legal world for his taking on numerous complex litigation cases in
his court. These cases ranged from class actions such as the
notorious "phen-fen" drug litigation, to billion dollar merger and
acquisition cases such as the one involving Huntsman Corporation, to
the first case where cell phone technology was used to capture a
wanted fugitive in the "Uncle Hilty" kidnapping and murder case. He
was a frequent and sought-after speaker at national conferences on
electronic courts, mass dockets, and handling multi-district
litigation. Judge Edwards also founded and avidly supported the
Child Advocates Program in Montgomery County. Since leaving the
judicial bench in 2013, Edwards has served as a special judge and
popular mediator and arbitrator.
Without question, the loves of Judge Edwards' life were his
children, Joseph Edwards and wife Katherine, and daughters Elizabeth
and Kathryn Edwards. He was so proud of them, and treasured every
opportunity to watch each of them succeed in their own rights by
achieving educational goals and growing into happy, successful
adults. He was married to attorney Linda Thompson for 30 years, with
whom he enjoyed an enduring friendship. Throughout his life he
nurtured his passions of civil war history, old movies, independent
music [especially all things Texas], his beloved State of Texas, and
Astros baseball. Edwards was infamous for his ability to tell
entertaining war stories, and he enjoyed visiting historical Texas
and American battle sites. He also played regularly with his poker
group friends of 40 years.
Born in Cleveland, Texas, Judge Edwards graduated from Conroe High
School in Conroe, Texas. His passion for politics and history
perhaps began when he served Congressman John Dowdy in Washington,
D. C. for one year during his high school as a Congressional page,
and had the incredible fortune of being there as Martin Luther King,
Jr. delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech on the Washington Mall. He
furthered his education with a bachelor's degree at East Texas State
University, and obtained his law degree from the University of
Houston Law Center in 1974. Prior to being elected District Judge in
1992, he managed a thriving legal practice for 18 years focusing on
general civil litigation.
In addition to his loving children, he leaves to mourn him his
mother Bobbie Joyce Edwards, brother Jimmie Edwards and his wife
Debbie and their children Rachael Edwards Threadgill and husband
Paul, Sarah Edwards, his sisters Elwanda Edwards and Wanda Minshew
and her husband Morrie and their children Matthew Minshew and
Meredith Brewer, and her husband Eric. He is also survived by his
cousins Deborah Gurley Atwood and Wayne Gurley and grand nieces
Shelby and Jamie Threadgill. He was preceded in death by his father,
Jimmie Carl "J. C." Edwards.
Visitation will be held at the Metcalf Funeral Home, in Conroe Texas
on Thursday, February 13th from 5:00PM to 7:00PM. Memorial Service
will be on Friday, February 14th, 2:00PM at the First Baptist Church
in Conroe Texas. In lieu of flowers, please donate to CASA-Child
Advocates of Montgomery County or the Montgomery County Food Bank.
(More information about Judge Fred Edwards can be found at
www.fedwards.com
- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/houstonchronicle/obituary.aspx?pid=169637261#sthash.yrZTveZ0.dpuf
Judge Fred Edwards dies at age 63
Frederick Eugene Edwards, a sixth generation Texan, was born on
August 2, 1950 and died in The Woodlands, Texas on February 10, 2014
as a result of complications from a lengthy illness. Edwards proudly
served Montgomery County, Texas as Judge of the 9th District Court
for 20 years, until 2012. He presided over the general jurisdiction
court which heard cases ranging from general civil and family law
cases, to massive toxic tort litigation and capital murder cases
involving the death penalty. But, Edwards was most well known in the
legal world for his taking on numerous complex litigation cases in
his court. These cases ranged from class actions such as the
notorious "phen-fen" drug litigation, to billion dollar merger and
acquisition cases such as the one involving Huntsman Corporation, to
the first case where cell phone technology was used to capture a
wanted fugitive in the "Uncle Hilty" kidnapping and murder case. He
was a frequent and sought-after speaker at national conferences on
electronic courts, mass dockets, and handling multi-district
litigation. Judge Edwards also founded and avidly supported the
Child Advocates Program in Montgomery County. Since leaving the
judicial bench in 2013, Edwards has served as a special judge and
popular mediator and arbitrator.
Without question, the loves of Judge Edwards' life were his
children, Joseph Edwards and wife Katherine, and daughters Elizabeth
and Kathryn Edwards. He was so proud of them, and treasured every
opportunity to watch each of them succeed in their own rights by
achieving educational goals and growing into happy, successful
adults. He was married to attorney Linda Thompson for 30 years, with
whom he enjoyed an enduring friendship. Throughout his life he
nurtured his passions of civil war history, old movies, independent
music [especially all things Texas], his beloved State of Texas, and
Astros baseball. Edwards was infamous for his ability to tell
entertaining war stories, and he enjoyed visiting historical Texas
and American battle sites. He also played regularly with his poker
group friends of 40 years.
Born in Cleveland, Texas, Judge Edwards graduated from Conroe High
School in Conroe, Texas. His passion for politics and history
perhaps began when he served Congressman John Dowdy in Washington,
D. C. for one year during his high school as a Congressional page,
and had the incredible fortune of being there as Martin Luther King,
Jr. delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech on the Washington Mall. He
furthered his education with a bachelor's degree at East Texas State
University, and obtained his law degree from the University of
Houston Law Center in 1974. Prior to being elected District Judge in
1992, he managed a thriving legal practice for 18 years focusing on
general civil litigation.
In addition to his loving children, he leaves to mourn him his
mother Bobbie Joyce Edwards, brother Jimmie Edwards and his wife
Debbie and their children Rachael Edwards Threadgill and husband
Paul, Sarah Edwards, his sisters Elwanda Edwards and Wanda Minshew
and her husband Morrie and their children Matthew Minshew and
Meredith Brewer, and her husband Eric. He is also survived by his
cousins Deborah Gurley Atwood and Wayne Gurley and grand nieces
Shelby and Jamie Threadgill. He was preceded in death by his father,
Jimmie Carl "J. C." Edwards.
Visitation will be held at the Metcalf Funeral Home, in Conroe Texas
on Thursday, February 13th from 5:00PM to 7:00PM. Memorial Service
will be on Friday, February 14th, 2:00PM at the First Baptist Church
in Conroe Texas. In lieu of flowers, please donate to CASA-Child
Advocates of Montgomery County or the Montgomery County Food Bank.
(More information about Judge Fred Edwards can be found at
www.fedwards.com
- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/houstonchronicle/obituary.aspx?pid=169637261#sthash.2oNxC1jL.dpuf
Judge Fred Edwards dies at age 63
Frederick Eugene Edwards, a sixth generation Texan, was born on
August 2, 1950 and died in The Woodlands, Texas on February 10, 2014
as a result of complications from a lengthy illness. Edwards proudly
served Montgomery County, Texas as Judge of the 9th District Court
for 20 years, until 2012. He presided over the general jurisdiction
court which heard cases ranging from general civil and family law
cases, to massive toxic tort litigation and capital murder cases
involving the death penalty. But, Edwards was most well known in the
legal world for his taking on numerous complex litigation cases in
his court. These cases ranged from class actions such as the
notorious "phen-fen" drug litigation, to billion dollar merger and
acquisition cases such as the one involving Huntsman Corporation, to
the first case where cell phone technology was used to capture a
wanted fugitive in the "Uncle Hilty" kidnapping and murder case. He
was a frequent and sought-after speaker at national conferences on
electronic courts, mass dockets, and handling multi-district
litigation. Judge Edwards also founded and avidly supported the
Child Advocates Program in Montgomery County. Since leaving the
judicial bench in 2013, Edwards has served as a special judge and
popular mediator and arbitrator.
Without question, the loves of Judge Edwards' life were his
children, Joseph Edwards and wife Katherine, and daughters Elizabeth
and Kathryn Edwards. He was so proud of them, and treasured every
opportunity to watch each of them succeed in their own rights by
achieving educational goals and growing into happy, successful
adults. He was married to attorney Linda Thompson for 30 years, with
whom he enjoyed an enduring friendship. Throughout his life he
nurtured his passions of civil war history, old movies, independent
music [especially all things Texas], his beloved State of Texas, and
Astros baseball. Edwards was infamous for his ability to tell
entertaining war stories, and he enjoyed visiting historical Texas
and American battle sites. He also played regularly with his poker
group friends of 40 years.
Born in Cleveland, Texas, Judge Edwards graduated from Conroe High
School in Conroe, Texas. His passion for politics and history
perhaps began when he served Congressman John Dowdy in Washington,
D. C. for one year during his high school as a Congressional page,
and had the incredible fortune of being there as Martin Luther King,
Jr. delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech on the Washington Mall. He
furthered his education with a bachelor's degree at East Texas State
University, and obtained his law degree from the University of
Houston Law Center in 1974. Prior to being elected District Judge in
1992, he managed a thriving legal practice for 18 years focusing on
general civil litigation.
In addition to his loving children, he leaves to mourn him his
mother Bobbie Joyce Edwards, brother Jimmie Edwards and his wife
Debbie and their children Rachael Edwards Threadgill and husband
Paul, Sarah Edwards, his sisters Elwanda Edwards and Wanda Minshew
and her husband Morrie and their children Matthew Minshew and
Meredith Brewer, and her husband Eric. He is also survived by his
cousins Deborah Gurley Atwood and Wayne Gurley and grand nieces
Shelby and Jamie Threadgill. He was preceded in death by his father,
Jimmie Carl "J. C." Edwards.
Visitation will be held at the Metcalf Funeral Home, in Conroe Texas
on Thursday, February 13th from 5:00PM to 7:00PM. Memorial Service
will be on Friday, February 14th, 2:00PM at the First Baptist Church
in Conroe Texas. In lieu of flowers, please donate to CASA-Child
Advocates of Montgomery County or the Montgomery County Food Bank.
(More information about Judge Fred Edwards can be found at
www.fedwards.com
- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/houstonchronicle/obituary.aspx?pid=169637261#sthash.2oNxC1jL.dpuf
The
Etheridge Building as it stands today in
downtown Conroe on the south side of the
courthouse. The Etheridge Building was
purchased from, Obie’s son, Whitson
Etheridge, by Rocky DePapa about 2007 who
remodeled the building into law offices a
few years ago. Several attorneys practice in
the building today. The Etheridge Building
in downtown Conroe in 2006 when it was home
to a barber shop and Coronelli’s Italian
restaurant. Courtesy photo
Like many of the nearly century-old buildings
surrounding the Montgomery County Courthouse in
downtown Conroe, the Etheridge Building has housed a
wide range of retail, professional and food service
enterprises over the years.
The structure, located in the 200 block of Simonton
Street, was built in 1921 - but the story behind its
construction and, Obie L. Etheridge, the man that
built it, began a decade before. It’s the tale of an
inspiring and highly respected man who was an
integral part of the community in which he lived.
Etheridge arrived in Conroe at the age of 23 with
only a sixth-grade education in March 1911, just
three weeks after a huge fire had destroyed most of
the downtown area. In the midst of the massive
cleanup effort, Etheridge secured a job with The
Conroe Courier owned by Pete West.
Through hard work, determination and a frugal
lifestyle, Etheridge was able to purchase the
newspaper in 1919. He also took a wife, Hilda
Beasley, daughter of A. Z. Beasley who owned a
mercantile store on Simonton Street.
T he
Etheridge Building in 2006 before the brick
facade had been restored by the City of
Conroe. At the time it housed Coronelli’s
Italian Restaurant which has since moved a
few blocks to Thompson street and at the
time of the photo was still the law office
of Whitson Etheridge, a noted Conroe
historian who died at 95 in 2012.
In 1921, Etheridge build his namesake building in
downtown Conroe. The two-story building housed
office space upstairs for legal and medical
professionals and provided retail space on the
ground floor. The first level would house a variety
of restaurants, barber shops, retail businesses and
other enterprises in the coming years.
In 1931, Etheridge sold The Courier. Despite his
limited formal education, Etheridge studied with
local attorney Jimmy “Mac” Crane and eventually
passed the state bar exam to become a lawyer in 1934
at the age of 44.
In 1937, Etheridge and Crane created the San Jacinto
Conservation and Reclamation District to address
water conservation in the district. The name of the
organization was later changed to the San Jacinto
River Authority.
“Etheridge was a brilliant, respected self-made
man,” said former Conroe Mayor R. A. “Mickey”
Deison. “He was very active in the community.”
But he was also known to keep a tight grasp on his
pocketbook, quipped Deison. In the late 1940s,
Deison recalls Etheridge had a phone installed atop
a telephone pole in downtown Conroe. He would climb
to the top of the pole and conduct business while
supervising construction of his new building being
built at the corner of San Jacinto and Simonton
Streets.
“County Commissioner T. J. Peel figured out what he
was doing,” said Rigby Owen, Jr. “As soon as he
would climb down from the pole, they’d call the
number. When he climbed back up to answer, they’d
hang up. He did this over and over and it really
made Obie mad.”
Members of the local legal community found the story
quite humorous - though Etheridge was not among
them, Owen said.
Courtney Crane Cross recalled playing with friends
in the downtown area as a young girl, noting that
Conroe was such an open, friendly town.
“We’d run up the stairs to the legal offices to see
if our fathers were there,” she said. “If not, we’d
race over to the courthouse to see if they were
trying a case. It was a different time - before all
the security they have now.”
Conroe historian Gertie Spencer recalled the
Etheridge Building housed a number of restaurants
over the years. Back in the 20s and 30s, “Hamburger
Joe” Bernardino served nickel hamburgers and plate
lunch specials to the local community.
Later, the Etheridge Building was home to Spencer’s
Restaurant, operated by her father and
mother-in-law. Gertie recalled going there for lunch
often.
“The high school didn’t have a cafeteria, so I’d
load eight or nine girls in my coupe and we’d go
there for lunch,” she said. “Those were good times.”
In 1941 a fire - thought by many to be arson, but
never proved - destroyed the interior of the
building. As it has happened many times before and
since, the building was restored and served the
community as a place for legal professionals,
retailers and restaurateurs.
“It’s good to see the building has stood the test of
time and evolved,” said Spencer.
Larry Foerster, chairman of the Montgomery County
Historical Society, recalls meeting Obie’s son,
Whitson Etheridge, when he arrived in Conroe in
1978. Whitson Etheridge and Judge Sam Turner were
still climbing the narrow stairs to their law
offices on the second floor of the Etheridge
Building.
“They were in their 70s or 80s,” Foerster recalled.
“Their offices were very plain, but for a young
lawyer like me, it gave me an idea of how simple law
practice was in the early 1900s.”
Obie Etheridge died in a car accident in 1967. But
his building and his impact on the community in
which he was a leading citizen, live on.
The Etheridge Building was purchased from, Obie’s
son, Whitson Etheridge, by Rocky DePapa about 2007
who remodeled the building into law offices a few
years ago. Several attorneys practice in the
building today.
For information
on Conroe and Montgomery County history, visit www.heritagemuseum.us or
call 936-539-6873.
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Conroe Courier |
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June 8, 2014 |
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Obituary of Whitson B. Etheridge
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