Harold R. Fatzer
Harold R. Fatzer (August 3, 1913 – September 30, 1989) was an American jurist. He was a justice of the Kansas Supreme Court from March 1, 1956, to September 1, 1971, then served as chief justice from September 1, 1971, to September 19, 1977.[1][2][3] When he retired he was succeeded as chief justice by Alfred G. Schroeder and Kay McFarland was appointed to fill the remaining place.[4]
He was born in Fellsburg, Kansas, to John R. and Rella Shannon Fatzer, and had a sister, Helen.[5] He achieved his law degree in 1933 from Washburn University School of Law[5] He was named assistant state attourney general in May 1943, then volunteered for the United States Army in September of that year and served in World War II until November 1945.[5] He was married March 21, 1934 to Frances Schwaup, and they had a son John R. Fatzer.[5]
He died by shooting himself in the head, and was found on September 30, 1989, in his Topeka home. He left no note, but was thought to have been depressed over health issues, having heart disease and suspected lung malignancy.[5][6][1]
References
- ^ a b "Hutchinson News Newspaper Archives, Oct 2, 1989, p. 1". NewspaperArchive.com. 2 October 1989. Retrieved 31 May 2020.
- ^ "Emporia Gazette Newspaper Archives, Sep 24, 1971, p. 1". NewspaperArchive.com. 24 September 1971. Retrieved 10 May 2020.
- ^ "Harold R. Fatzer Retired Judge, 79". The New York Times. 3 October 1989. Retrieved 31 May 2020.
- ^ "Chanute Tribune Newspaper Archives, Sep 19, 1977, p. 1". NewspaperArchive.com. 19 September 1977.
- ^ a b c d e "Garden City Telegram Newspaper Archives, Oct 2, 1989, p. 8". NewspaperArchive.com. 2 October 1989. Retrieved 31 May 2020.
- ^ "Colorado Springs Gazette Archives, Oct 2, 1989, p. 6". NewspaperArchive.com. 2 October 1989. Retrieved 31 May 2020.
External links
- Military personnel from Kansas
- United States Army personnel of World War II
- Justices of the Kansas Supreme Court
- Chief Justices of the Kansas Supreme Court
- Washburn University alumni
- 1913 births
- 1989 suicides
- 1989 deaths
- Suicides by firearm in Kansas
- People from Edwards County, Kansas
- 20th-century American judges
- Kansas state court judge stubs