One of Conroe and Montgomery County’s leading citizens died at the age of 95.

Funeral services for lifelong Conroe resident Whitson Etheridge are scheduled for 11 a.m. today at the First Baptist Church of Conroe, located at 600 N. Main St. Etheridge died Wednesday.

“It’s a sad day for Conroe when we lose a man like Whitson Etheridge,” said Larry Foerster, chairman of the Montgomery County Historical Commission. “He did a lot for our community and was a witness to the history and culture that developed Conroe and Montgomery County.”

Conroe was a much different place when Etheridge was born in 1917 – a small, rural community on the outskirts of Houston. But because his family owned The Conroe Courier, Etheridge was well positioned to observe and interact with the people and events that would transform the community.

“He wrote a book several years ago that describes the history of Conroe and Montgomery County,” Foerster said. “It’s a fascinating resource filled with stories, photos and details about the history of the area.”

The book, “Dad, What was it like in Conroe,” published by Etheridge in 1999, is available in the genealogy section at the Montgomery County Central Library, located at 104 N. Interstate 45 in Conroe.

Etheridge worked as a writer and photographer for The Courier for several years. In previous interviews, Etheridge said the discovery of oil in the county transformed the city overnight.

“It was during the Great Depression and people were coming to Conroe from all over the country looking for work,” Etheridge said in an interview with The Courier last June. “Conroe was a boomtown.”

Following stints with the San Antonio Light, as a surveyor, deputy tax collector and executive with the Columbian Carbon Company, Etheridge earned a law degree in 1952. He continued practicing for 60 years – he was still active in his practice in October.

“If he had his way, he’d have been to his office to work on the day he died,” said Molly Wells, who worked as his secretary and assistant for nearly 40 years. “He loved Conroe, loved the law and loved helping people.”

Etheridge often would reduce his fees or work for free to help area residents in need, said Wells. He remained mentally sharp and effective as an attorney into his 90s – serving clients in family law, real estate and probate. He was also active in a myriad of local civic groups and professional organizations benefiting the community throughout his career.

“It’s sad to realize Whitson is gone and with him so much of the history of Conroe,” Wells said. “He truly was one of a kind – he’ll be missed.”