JOHN FASHING

1938 - 2017

John Louis Fashing April 16, 1938 June 6, 2017 John Louis Fashing was born in St. Paul, Minnesota. His father moved the family to El Paso when he came to work for the railroad. John graduated from Rusk Elementary School, Austin High School, Texas Western College, and Saint Mary's University School of Law. He was an officer in the United States Army and was a combat awarded veteran of the Vietnam War where he served in the JAG Corps. As an attorney he continually pursued justice through the courts, including presenting before the United States Supreme Court. His keen legal insight and abilities summoned the attention of the likes of Percy Foreman and Richard "Racehorse" Haynes, but John decided to vie for the bench upon the retirement of Judge Richard Crawford at County Court at Law 2. He was elected in 1974 and served unopposed for 24 years. He wrote and effected changes in legislation for the benefit of his community. He was renown as a legal scholar by his peers and was often seen walking downtown with an armful of reading material. Whether admired or feared he was always regarded as a judge's judge. Of all of his accomplishments and abilities, however, it was the role of husband, father, and grandfather where he was most adored. He was a private man, a humble man, and the finest man his family has every known. He will be sorely missed.