Houston Municipal Court Building Renamed

[editor]

HOUSTON, Texas –Mayor Annise D. Parker and Presiding Judge Barbara E. Hartle will dedicate and name the City of Houston Municipal Court Building in honor of the late Municipal Court Associate Presiding Judge Herbert W. Gee at a ceremony scheduled for Sunday, May 1, 2011.

Judge Gee passed away March 12, 2011, and to commemorate his service to the City, his dedication to the profession of law, and his belief in justice for all citizens, the City of Houston will name the Municipal Courts Building located at 1400 Lubbock in his honor.

On March 23, 2010, Houston City Council voted unanimously to designate the City’s Municipal Courts building as the Herbert W. Gee Municipal Courthouse. Director and Presiding Judge, Barbara E. Hartle stated, “Judge Gee was an invaluable source of support to me personally, as well as to his peers. Over the years he mentored many lawyers, judges, and court staff, always providing encouragement, patience and a wealth of legal knowledge. Renaming the building in his honor is a fitting tribute to this great public servant, and will serve as a lasting legacy for all those who enter it.”

Judge Gee was a lifelong Houstonian. He attended Sam Houston High school and upon graduation, attended Texas Tech University, the University of Texas, and finally the University of Houston, where he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics.

While teaching mathematics at Jefferson High School, he simultaneously attended and graduated from South Texas College of Law School and began his celebrated legal career at the City of Houston where he served as an Assistant City Attorney assigned to the City of Houston Municipal Courts as a prosecutor. Judge Gee also served other municipalities, including cities of Spring Valley, Stafford, The Meadows, Mount Belvieu, Humble and Missouri City.

In 2000, Mayor Lee P. Brown appointed Judge Gee as a Municipal Court Judge. Shortly thereafter, former Director and Presiding Judge Berta A. Mejia tapped him as the Court’s Administrative Judge, and then as Associate Presiding Judge, a position he held until his passing.

“His friends and colleagues will remember him fondly as the quintessential seeker of justice for all. His service to his profession and to his community and his fairness as Judge earned him a high level of respect from his peers” stated Judge Mejia.

The dedication ceremony will be attended by the Gee family, friends and colleagues who will pay tribute to his unwavering commitment this great City.