[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 129 (Monday, September 14, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2252]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN MEMORY OF JUDGE WILLIAM KIMBERLIN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. IKE SKELTON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 14, 2009

  Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, it is with sadness that I inform the 
House of the death of the Honorable Judge William Morian ``Bill'' 
Kimberlin, former Circuit Judge of the 17th Judicial Circuit of 
Missouri.
  Judge Kimberlin was born in Garden City, Missouri, in 1915. After 
graduating from Garden City High School, he attended Central Methodist 
College in Fayette, Missouri where he received a music scholarship, 
majoring in Piano. An accomplished musician, he played a variety of 
instruments and was gifted with a rich baritone voice. After two years, 
Bill transferred to the University of Missouri School of Law. He was a 
loyal alumni and lifetime supporter of MU where his father, children, 
and grandchildren are also alumni. Judge Kimberlin was pleased to 
account that he was the first graduate to be awarded a diploma at the 
100th anniversary commencement of the University of Missouri.
  Upon graduation in 1939, he moved to Harrisonville, Missouri, where 
he practiced law with the firm Crouch & Crouch. His young legal career 
was interrupted by the onslaught of WWII where he served four years in 
the Army Air Corps. For his service in the Mediterranean and European 
Theatres, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service 
and six campaign stars. Before going overseas, Judge Kimberlin met his 
future wife, Martha Bumby, on the dance floor of the Officers' Club 
while stationed in Orlando, Florida. The couple was married in 1946 and 
settled in Harrisonville.
  A lifelong Democrat, Judge Kimberlin was elected Mayor of 
Harrisonville, served two terms as Prosecuting Attorney of Cass County, 
and served as the City Attorney of Harrisonville. He was elected five 
times to serve as Circuit Judge of the 17th Judicial Court of Missouri, 
and served for 29 years. In honor of his great service, a courtroom was 
named in his honor upon completion of the new Cass County Justice 
Center in 2004. He was also one of the twelve original committee 
members appointed by the Missouri Supreme Court to draft the Missouri 
Civil Approved Jury Instructions for use in all courts of the state and 
was appointed a Special Judge to sit for a term on the Missouri Supreme 
Court.
  Judge Kimberlin was revered for always treating everyone with dignity 
and respect, both inside and outside of the courtroom. He dedicated his 
life to public service, donating much of his time to community 
organizations and serving on numerous boards and committees. Included 
were the First Christian Church, Ararat Shrines, American Legion, 
Veterans of Foreign Wars, Sons of the American Revolution, Cass Lodge 
#147 A.F. & A.M., Board of Directors of the Missouri Municipal League, 
district Chairmen of the Thunderbird District of the Kansas City Area 
Council of Boy Scouts of America, Phi Delta Phi Legal Fraternity, was 
past President of the Harrisonville Kiwanis and lieutenant-governor of 
the Division II Kiwanis. At the same time, he was an avid hunter and 
golfer. Most importantly, Judge Kimberlin was a devoted family man who 
enjoyed spending time with his wife Martha, his children, Marsha Peters 
and William Bruce Kimberlin, and two granddaughters, Lauren Kimberlin 
Peters and Lindsey Morlan Peters.
  Madam Speaker, Judge William Kimberlin was an honorable Judge and 
respected leader in the community. I am certain that the members of the 
House will join me in extending their heartfelt condolences to his 
family and friends. He will be greatly missed.

                          ____________________