Earl B. Webb

LEAGUE CITY, TEXAS - Judge Earl B. “Bud” Webb passed away Tuesday, October 17, 2006, at home in League City. He was born in Shelbyville, Texas on August 28, 1925, 81 years ago. The Judge resided in League City for 45 years, previously of San Benito, Texas located in the Rio Grande Valley.

Early in his life the Judge was instilled with a work ethic that told him “Never Quit” along with a sense of fair play for everyone. In the early 1940’s he was active in his hometown sports and developed a love of football and a camaraderie of special friends that continues to this day. Immediately after graduation he joined the Navy, stationed at Ford Island in Pearl Harbor, he served in the submarine service in the Pacific Theatre from 1943 through mid 1946.

Upon returning from World War II he was involved in an industrial accident in late 1946 where he lost his left hand and part of his left foot. He spent most of 1947 in the hospital and rehabilitation. In the latter part of l947 he began college at North Texas University in Denton, Texas. Early 1948, he married Betty Doris Watson and continued his college education and graduated in 1950 with a Bachelors Degree in Safety Engineering. He returned to his hometown with his wife and baby daughter to begin his first career as a Safety Engineer with Central Power and Light Company in South Texas. He traveled throughout the southern district of Texas setting up and establishing safety policies that are followed in the electrical industry. In 1950, he and Betty took his young brother-in-law, Jim Watson, to raise as their own. Jim was seven years of age at this time. The Judge raised the boy with the same philosophy of hard work and dedication that he himself possessed. He was involved in Boy Scouts with Jim and became a First Aid Instructor for many lads and adults alike.

The Judge worked as a Safety Engineer for CPL until early 1962 when he moved to Houston. A chance opportunity came open for him with a joint venture contractor called Brown and Root – Northrop at the Manned Spacecraft Center, now known as Johnson Space Center. He became the Safety Engineer/ Administrative Personnel Director for BRN from 1964 through 1974. During this time he went back to college and received a second degree in Business Administration. He also studied Law and obtained a law degree, which led him to become the Municipal Court Judge for League City in 1969.

He was the presiding Judge of League city from 1969 through 1989. During his tenure he helped to establish the Texas Municipal Courts Association. There he developed policies and procedures, which have become the working standards throughout the State of Texas for all municipal courts. He traveled statewide conducting training seminars and offering his expertise in professionalizing all municipal courts. He retired in 1989 and continued to follow the careers of many of the young men that he tutored and stayed in touch with.

Throughout his life the Judge had a second love in Lions International. Near and very dear to his heart is the Texas Lions Crippled Childrens Camp in Kerrville, Texas. Being a double amputee himself he understood the children’s needs for love and support for their handicaps and how it could affect them. He worked tirelessly for these kids and remained dedicated to them till the end. The words “WE SERVE” are two words that he took to heart. He received many recognized, distinguished, prestigious awards through Lions International and from his own peers (i.e. Melvin Jones, Jack Wiech Fellow). He was very proud to tell anyone that he had the opportunity to personally meet Helen Keller in 1958 at the Lions Convention in Dallas, Texas. Her words of encouragement and steadfast fortitude to “go on above and beyond yourself to help others” became his creed. His love for mankind and life was infectious to all that came to know him.

Preceded in death by his parents, James I. Sr. and Sara J. Webb, his beloved wife, Betty Doris, his brother, James I. Jr. and brother-in-law, James M. Watson. He leaves to celebrate his life his two daughters Sandra L. and husband, William L. Carlisle, Cherry L. and husband, Kenneth L. Kuder, also two sister-in-laws, LaVerne Webb and Mattie Watson; grandchildren Jamie L. and James W. Kraus Jr., J. Lyn and husband, Tobey L. Williams, Terry L. Kuder, Robert H. Carlisle and wife, Heather, Kathleen T. Berneice and husband, Daryl and Peter L. Watson; eight great-grandchildren Sara, Brandon, Shelbi, Hilary, Hunter, Katelyn, Nicholas and Tobey Jr.

Pallbearers will be William L. Carlisle, Kenneth L. and Terry L. Kuder, James W. Kraus Jr., Tobey L. Williams Sr., Capt. Pat Bittner, Ray Williams and Larry W. Webb. Honorary Pallbearers are Eldon Long, Herbert Stewart, Pat Riley, Ray Hughston, E. J. Brockman, Rev. Jack Pierce, Dennis Holt, League City Lions Club and the League City Police Department.

Special recognition of thanks are expressed to the Staff of Clear Lake 5 East Rehab Center for their care and support and also to the Regency Hospice of League City for their compassion and love.

Visitation will be Thursday, October 26, 2006, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Memorial service to be conducted by the Rev. Jim Barclift, Friday, October 27, 2006, at 11:00 a.m. at Dignity Memorial Bay Area Chapel (formerly Jack Rowe) Funeral Home, 1625 East Main, League City, Texas, with graveside immediately following the memorial service. Reception for family and friends will follow after graveside at the Lighthouse Fellowship Church on Park Avenue in League City, Texas.

Those who wish may make memorials in the form of donations to the Texas Lions Crippled Childrens Camp in Kerrville, Texas