Judges, lawyers to eulogize recently deceased prominent attorneys
by May 15, 2009 1:57 pm 128 views
A traditional eulogy ceremony recognizing six prominent attorneys and judges who died in the past few years will be held Monday (May 18) in the Ceremonial Courtroom at the Judge Isaac Parker Federal Building in downtown Fort Smith.
The ceremony, to begin at 11 a.m., will include eulogies presented by U.S. District Judge Robert Dawson and former Arkansas Supreme Court Justice Brad Jesson.
The deceased attorneys to be honored are:
• Honorable Orville Ben Core (eulogized by Judge Robert T. Dawson)
• Honorable Larry Reed McCord (eulogized by Eddie N. Christian)
• Honorable Robert Cleveland Taylor (eulogized by Bradley D. Jesson)
• Honorable Dorsey McNeelas Ryan, Jr. (eulogized by Honorable Douglas O. Smith Jr.)
• Honorable David Truss Westmoreland (eulogized by Judge Robert T. Dawson)
• Judge Robert Eugene Boyer (no eulogy by request)
The following statement about the event was provided by Coby Logan, president-elect of the Sebastian County Bar Association.
The Sebastian County Bar Association is proud to be a part of Monday’s ceremony and on behalf of the Bar, we thank each of the family members for the sacrifices that their loved ones have made on behalf of our community and the legal profession. Because of their lives, this place that we call home is much better than before due to their hard work and care for this community.
The practice of law has changed since these deceased colleagues first began to practice. The pace was different than today. However, the principle of integrity is timeless. The individuals to be memorialized were some of the finest practitioners to ever enter the legal profession.
Those we will honor, cover the spectrum of the legal practice in our state and community, from solo country practitioners to senior partners in some of our area’s largest law firms. We honor professors and practitioners, lawyers who were judicious and also honorable jurists. They advanced justice in the legislature, administered our court system, were prominent civic leaders, and leaders of the legal profession.
All had distinguished legal careers, and all upheld the highest standards of our profession: dignity, honor, integrity and sacrifice. They dedicated their lives to providing sound, competent advice and counsel, to everyday working citizens.
We remember these attorneys who served our community as Sunday School teachers, scout leaders, little league coaches, and in so many other civic capacities. In short, we remember these lawyers and Americans whose talent, time and energy, contributed greatly to our profession and community.
Our legal system owes an obligation to them to continue their efforts on behalf of this great profession and those we represent. We call upon every legal practitioner in our community to especially honor their memories with the rededication to the oath we all took upon admission to the practice of law and the rededication to the principles of professionalism that were so well exemplified.
It is our hope that in remembering their lives we will be inspired by their example and strengthened to carry on the honorable pursuit of equal justice under the law with dedication and commitment. The integrity and steadfastness of these community leaders will not be forgotten. Nor will their courtroom skills or the laughter and joy given to those who knew them.
The Sebastian County Bar Association tradition of holding a memorial service is intended to preserve a bit of the greatness of the individuals honored and to inspire future generations. The proceedings are recorded and a transcript of the session is placed on file.