Harlan D. Friend

Harlan Dillman Friend died peacefully surrounded by prayers, blessings and love of his family and friends on August 22, 2011. Charming, witty, brilliant, dignified, passionate and compassionate, he devoted his life to making a difference to his family, community and the world.

He was born in Flora, IL on January 20, 1924 to Erba Ann Dillman Friend and Harlan Downs Friend and was preceded in death by his parents, sister and brother-in-law Patsy Ann and Rudolph Peyregne, and wife Dorothy Helen Weil Friend.

He is survived by his children, Shelley Anne Friend and husband Travis Kessler of Austin, Harlan Jefferson (Jed) Friend of Frisco, Shannon Lea and Stuart Green of Kingwood, and Patrick Friend of Houston, grandchildren, Sarah and Hill Ojeda, Caroline Kessler, of San Antonio, Katharyn Leah (Katey) Green and John Novier, of Portland, TX, Alexandra Nicole Green of Huntsville, Jefferson Grey Friend and Dana Molly Friend, of Frisco, and great grandson, Dylan Michael Novier of Portland, TX.

Judge Friend received his BBA degree from Baylor University in 1949, his LLB in 1956 and his Doctorate of Jurisprudence in 1969. He practiced law for 45 years in Liberty County, TX. He established his law practice in 1956 where he practiced both civil and criminal law. He was licensed before the Eastern and Southern Federal District Courts in 1962. In 1963, he became licensed before the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court, where he was introduced by Congressman Jack Brooks to Chief Justice Earl Warren. Subsequently, he tried cases before the United States Supreme Court on three separate occasions.

Friend was elected County Democratic Chairman from 1960-1970. In 1974, he was elected Judge of the County of Liberty. He served as political liaison for such noted democrats as Speaker of the House, Sam Rayburn, Attorney General Jim Mattox, President John F. Kennedy, U. S. Representatives Charles Wilson and Jack Brooks and President Lyndon B. Johnson.

He was elected to represent Liberty, Chambers, Orange and Jefferson Counties in 1964 and 1976 at the Democratic National Conventions. He served as Secretary of the Texas Electoral College, casting the first official vote in the State of Texas for President Jimmy Carter. He also had the privilege of working with Governor Ann Richards, Governor Mark White and the late Congresswoman Barbara Jordan.

Judge Friend was an Eagle Scout and served in the United States Navy in combat at Saipan in the South Pacific during World War II. He was Post Commander in the American Legion, active in the V.F.W. Amvets, the Valley Players, and the Elks Lodge. He is Past Master of the Liberty Masonic Lodge, A.F. & A.M. #48 in Liberty, former president of the Shrine Club of Beaumont.

Friend’s passion in life was advocating for people less fortunate than himself. He was instrumental in fighting for the repeal of the Poll Tax and for the implementation of the Voting Rights Act. He also took a leadership role in creating new voting boxes in underserved areas of Liberty County. He believed in the importance of expressing one’s voice through the power of the vote and devoted his life to pursuing social justice, valuing human rights and dignity for all human beings.

When Harper Lee’s book, To Kill A Mockingbird, was released in 1961, people called him “the Atticus Finch of Liberty, TX.” Finch’s quotes were consistent with Friend’s worldview. For example, Finch said, “you never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view,” and “the one thing that doesn’t abide by majority rule is a person’s conscience,” and "courage is not a man with a gun in his hand. It's knowing you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. You rarely win, but sometimes you do." He won sometimes and not others. And, he kept on advocating for people who, many times, felt like they had no other voice.

Hobbies included reading, fishing, swimming, sailing and serving as a Lay Reader in the Episcopal Church. He also loved traveling all over the world and sharing his experiences with others.

In lieu of flowers, the family has created a legacy gift opportunity in the name of Judge Harlan D. Friend. It is consistent with his values and beliefs: education and helping underserved children. Donations may be mailed to: Humble ISD Education Foundation 20200 Eastway Village Dr., Humble, TX, 77338 or made online.

http://www.humbleisdfoundation.org/Donate/support_memorial.asp

A private family memorial service was held on Saturday, August 27, 2011.