  
								
								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  
		
			
				
				
				
				Older Church 
				Building Continues to Serve the Spiritual Needs of the Community 
				
				
				
				By 
				Brad Meyer 
				Contributing Editor
				
				   | 
			 
			 
		
			
			
				
				
					
						
							
								
								
								
								
								
								
								 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  
		
			
				
					
					
					
					
					
					Social standards and family values have changed in the past 
					three-quarters of a century, but a Conroe church building 
					constructed in 1940 continues to serve as a source of 
					spiritual guidance and social interaction for community 
					residents. 
					
					
					
						
							
							  
							   
							
							Under the direction of Rev. Deison, the First 
							Presbyterian Church of Conroe grew from 40 or 50 
							members to a total of between 400 and 500 before he 
							was killed in a tragic automobile accident in 1957. 
							Photo ca 1955
						
					
					
					
					
					The First Presbyterian Church of Conroe was founded in April 
					1939. Members met at David Crockett High School, now Travis 
					Intermediate School, until their brick church building was 
					constructed at the corner of San Jacinto and Dallas Streets. 
  
					
					
					
					“My father, Raymond, was an associate minister in Houston 
					back in the 30s,” said former Conroe Mayor R. A. Mickey 
					Deison. “But he traveled to other churches in this area and 
					in 1948 he was asked to take over the ministry at the 
					church.” 
  
					
					That meant Deison and his family moved to Conroe, taking up 
					residency in the church manse or living quarters located 
					immediately adjacent to the First Presbyterian Church. Being 
					the child of a minister and living next door to the church 
					presented challenges. 
					
						
							
							  
							   
							
							The First Presbyterian Church of Conroe was founded 
							in April 1939. Members met at David Crockett High 
							School, now Travis Intermediate School, until their 
							brick church building was constructed at the corner 
							of San Jacinto and Dallas Streets. Now the building 
							serves as the Vineyard Church
						
					
					
					
					
					“There was no privacy for a minister’s son,” laughed Deison. 
					“Whatever I did or people thought I did got reported back to 
					my family. We were expected to live up to a certain standard 
					— we felt a lot of pressure.” 
  
					
					The lack of privacy extended to home life as well, recalled 
					Deison. Visitors often came to the home to speak with the 
					minister — from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. — and as often as not, 
					without an appointment. 
  
					
					In addition to church services, Deison said the grounds 
					around the church and the manse were often used for social 
					events. There were barbecue pits and areas where a few 
					hundred people could get together to socialize, interact and 
					share a meal. 
  
					
					“It was a different time,” said Deison. “We didn’t have all 
					of the entertainment options people have today back then, so 
					people enjoyed these get-togethers.” 
  
					
					Churches had a big impact on the lives of the people in 
					Conroe, according to Deison. It provided structure and made 
					people feel better about themselves. Under the direction of 
					Rev. Deison, the First Presbyterian Church of Conroe grew 
					from 40 or 50 members to a total of between 400 and 500 
					before he was killed in a tragic automobile accident in 
					1957. 
					  
					
					The church continued to grow and 
					prosper over the years, much like Conroe. In the 90s, church 
					officials raised funds and constructed a new facility on 
					South Loop 336, west of town. 
  
					
						
							
							
							  
							
							The owner of the original building, The First 
							Presbyterian Church of Conroe, sold the property in 
							2001, but the focus on spirituality did not change 
							when the structure became home to the 
							nondenominational Vineyard Church which now resides 
							there. 
						 
					 
					
					
					The owner of the original building changed in 2001, but the 
					focus on spirituality did not change when the structure 
					became home to the nondenominational Vineyard Church. 
  
					
					“We may have a different approach to our ministry,” 
					acknowledged Rev. Ray McDonald, “but we believe in 
					traditional Christian values.” 
  
					
					Indeed McDonald — often called “Sleepy Ray” — brings a 
					unique perspective to the church. He was a high profile 
					musician in the gospel rock and Christian blues industry 
					living in Los Angeles. 
					
					“Music is a big part of ministry,” he said. “It’s a gift 
					from God and one that we love to share.” 
  
					
					McDonald said one of the key renovations of the building is 
					the addition of stages in many rooms and halls to facilitate 
					and encourage live performances. The church provides special 
					classes in music as well as other themes and topics for 
					their members — cooking, songwriting, etc. 
  
					
					“Our methods are different, but our 
					goals are the same,” emphasized McDonald. “We want to help 
					people and spread the gospel.” 
  
					
					Both Deison and McDonald are pleased the building continues 
					to be a source of faith in Conroe. 
  
					
					“The church has always been a positive factor in the 
					community,” said Deison. “I think we’re better people 
					because we were raised with those values. The tradition is 
					being carried on and that’s a good thing.”  
			 
		 
		
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