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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
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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Conroe Courier |
March 9, 2014 |
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