The verdict was handed down emphatically Wednesday afternoon.
Judge Thomas Saxton — a courtroom mainstay for more than a generation — will be missed.
Saxton is retiring this week, putting an end to his 27-year career as magistrate judge for the 31st Judicial District, and the past 25 years as Iola Municipal Court judge.
He was honored Wednesday with a District Courtroom packed with family, friends, fellow judges, attorneys and other well-wishers.
“I have told anyone who will listen to me for the last many, many years, there’s no better magistrate in the state,” decreed Judge David Rogers, Fredonia. “I’ve known Tom since he went on the bench, and as great of a magistrate and a judge he is, he’s a better friend.”
Rogers’ comments were echoed by Justice Lee Johnson of the Kansas Supreme Court, who lauded Saxton’s efforts in helping shape juvenile law, and how those efforts recently were recognized by the District Magistrate Judges Association.
Saxton has worked to protect Kansas’ most vulnerable residents — its children, Johnson said.
“It seems rather inadequate to present a plaque for all that loyal and true service to the state. If it were up to me, I’d have a gold watch or a silver plate,” Johnson joked. “But in a state that pays its trial judges the lowest salaries in the nation…. it tells you that Tom has done this out of a desire for public service,” Johnson said, “and not for monetary gain.”
Allen County District Judge Daniel Creitz spoke about Saxton’s ability to run a “smooth” courtroom.
“I was told by all of my predecessors, he’s excellent,” Creitz said. “You don’t need to worry about anything, just get out of his way. And that has held true. But more than anything else, I appreciate his friendship. He’ll be truly missed.”
SAXTON, IN TURN, praised his fellow jurists, as well as the attorneys who appeared in front of him in court, “for working with me, putting up with me, teaching me, and being there to support me when I needed help.”
He carried special praise for the court clerks. “You guys are great. You guys are the court system.”
He grew emotional in speaking about familial support from his parents and wife, Mary, “who put up with too many 2 a.m. phone calls.”
“Thanks, everybody in the community,” he concluded, “and all of my friends who helped me hold this position the past 27½ years.”
