Gerald Hougland

GERALD L. HOUGLAND, Dist. Judge, Ret.
Gerald L. Hougland, 77, of Olathe, KS, passed away peacefully at home on February 8, 2010 after suffering a stroke on October 7, 2009.
He was born March 19, 1932 in Olathe, to Howard and Lois Hougland. His parents instilled a work ethic in Jerry at an early age. He had a paper route and delivered telegrams during World War II. As he later said, delivering telegrams could be difficult because he was bringing sad news to parents or wives of servicemen killed or missing in action.
Jerry attended Pittsburg State for one year, then served his country during the Korean War in the U.S. Army counter-intelligence corps for two years. He finished college at Washburn University and also obtained his law degree from Washburn Law School.
Jerry was an assistant criminal prosecutor in the Johnson County District Attorney's Office from 1960-1967. He served two terms as a state representative in the Kansas Legislature, from 1969-1972 , was school district attorney for N.E. Johnson County from 1960-1969, was housing authority attorney for five years, from 1970-1975, and spent seventeen years in the civil and criminal practice of law.
Jerry became a District Court Judge on January 10, 1977, serving primarily in the criminal court of Johnson County. Although officially retiring in 1995, he continued hearing cases until 2001. He served on the executive committee of the Kansas Association of District Court Judges. Jerry was a member of the American Bar Association and the Kansas Bar Association, receiving his fifty-year pin at a reception last summer. He was also a member of the Johnson County Bar Association and the American Legion.
Jerry was previously active in Jaycees, Optimist Club, Chamber of Commerce, Johnson County Navy League Board of Directors, Pop Warner Football (as a coach), and also served six years as a Troop Committee Chairman for the BSA.
He loved the game of tennis and played for years. Jerry was a voracious reader, enjoyed his home woodworking shop and liked to travel, primarily overseas.
He was a native Kansan, with family moving to Olathe in 1859. Upon reflecting over his career as a judge, one thing that pleased him the most was when someone he had sent to prison returned to the courthouse or sent a letter, thanking him for turning their lives around.
Jerry was a good man and a loving husband and father, and his word was his bond. He will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor and quick wit. Many roads traveled, a life well-lived.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Robert Hougland. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Evelyn, of the home, son Mike Hougland (Nancy), of Olathe, and daughter Ellen Hougland, Kansas City, MO. Also surviving are sons Steve Hougland and Blaine Hougland, and daughter Allison Daylong, all of Olathe, and eleven grandchildren, with loving thoughts to Adam, Ross, and Luke Hougland. He leaves his brothers, Don Hougland (Dorothy) of Leawood and David Hougland (Pat) of Portland, OR, and many nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Dr. James L. Wetzel, to the nurses and staff at the Olathe Medical Center, to the visiting nurses association, and to Hospice of Olathe Medical Center for their loving and compassionate care. A special thank you to Ne'Sha, Jeremiah and sisters Celine, Rose and Sophia.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Hospice of Olathe Medical Center or to the charity of your choice.