University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law

The urban public law school with a small liberal arts feel

In Memoriam

Remembering Four Distinguished Jurists Four UMKC alumni who were members of the judiciary passed away recently. All had distinguished careers in practice and as judges. Judge Kelly J. Moorhouse, (J.D. ’85) of Lee’s Summit died after a courageous battle with cancer. Before her appointment as a Jackson County Family Court Commissioner in 1995, Moorhouse worked in the litigation department of the Watson & Marshall law firm, working on the firm’s pro bono cases. She previously worked in Legal Aid’s juvenile unit and as an attorney for the juvenile officer at the Jackson County Family Court.. She was appointed as a Jackson County Circuit Judge in 2000. As a judge, she was known for asking one question: “Is it good for the children?” Judge Lee E. Wells (J.D. ’57) passed away October 31. He was appointed to the Circuit Court of Jackson County in 1986 following a successful career in private practice. He served 14 years, presiding over several high profile cases, and was selected to serve two years as Presiding Judge. He retired in 2000, but remained an active Senior Judge. He was a mentor to law students and young lawyers and active in professional associations. A fund to honor Judge Wells has been established at the Law Foundation. Judge Robert K. Elliott (J.D. ’74) served as a judge in Division II of the 7th Judicial Circuit in Liberty for 33 years. He helped to establish the CASA Program in Clay County and was a former President of the National Juvenile Judges Association. The R. Kenneth Elliott Children’s Justice Center in Clay County was named in his honor. Judge Edward E. Richards (J.D.’43) was retired from service as a Holt County Associate Circuit Judge. He was the third generation of the Richards family to practice law and run an abstract business in Oregon, Missouri. Prior to joining the bench, he served as Holt County Public Administrator. He was active in community and public service.

Norman O. Sanders (J.D. '57) I lost a loyal partner and mentor and the UMKC School of Law lost a devoted graduate and friend with the passing of Norman Sanders on August 11, 2008... Walter Simpson's entire tribute to Norman available here.

John C. Dods III (J.D. '57) June 2, 2008, School of Law Mourns loss of alumnus, friend and Law School advocate... John Dods addressed our May 2007 graduates, his comments were featured in the Summer 2007 Res Ipsa on page 16. Kansas City Star obituary available here.

Professor Emeritus John M. Speca. Memorial service was held Monday, October 8th, details available here. View John Speca's obituary here. Make a contribution to the John Speca Memorial Fund here.

Dean and Professor Emeritus Patrick D. Kelly A memorial tribute was held June 25th in the Law School Courtroom. Additional information available here. Dean Kelly's brief biography available here. View Dean Kelly's obituary here. Make a contribution to the Patrick Kelly Scholarship Fund here.

Dean and Professor Emeritus Robert Popper View the recent Tribute Program here. (Please note that you may have to turn off your popup blocker to view this program) View Professor Popper's obituary here. Make a contribution to the Robert Popper Scholarship Fund here.

Emeritus Professor James W. Jeans, Sr. View the Memorial Tribute here. (Please note that you may have to turn off your popup blocker to view this program) Make a contribution to the Jim Jeans Scholarship Fund here.