All of Christian County’s circuit and district judges and the local bar association dedicated a permanent memorial at the Justice Center Wednesday morning for Robert “Bob” Fears, the man who served as Friend of the Court for over 35 years.
Commonwealth’s Attorney-Elect Rick Boling remembered Fears, who died in December 2015, as a family man who was dedicated to his work and faith.
Circuit Judge Andrew Self credited Fears for helping him and other young attorneys when they were just embarking on their careers.
Fears was still serving as Friend of the Court when Family Court Judge Jason Fleming arrived on the bench in 2007 and he says Fears helped educate him on the child support system.
Circuit Judge John Atkins remembered Fears’ enduring work ethic—even when he was in failing health.
District Judge Foster Cotthoff remembered Fears as a father of a friend while he was growing up and then as a lawyer who helped mentor him at the beginning of his career. Judge Jim Adams credited Fears for nurturing his enthusiasm for genealogy work and for getting him involved in the Sons of the American Revolution.
The Christian County Bar Association presented a memorial chair bearing Fears’ name that will forever remain at the Justice Center.