W. Bruce Monroe

W. Bruce Monroe of Denton, Texas, passed away on March 28, 2018, after a brief illness, with his family by his side. He is survived by his wife Lee (West) Monroe of Denton, daughter Marlee Wilson and her husband Zane of Dallas, son Bruce M. Monroe and his wife Kathleen of Argyle, sister Davieann Witt and her husband Jim of Sequim, Washington, grandsons Hunter, Jett and Slade Monroe of Argyle and nephews Wayne Witt of Corpus Christi, Texas and Ryan Witt of Bremerton, Washington, plus several grandnieces and grandnephews. There will be a celebration of his life in Denton on May 19.

Bruce was born in Hobbs, New Mexico, on November 22, 1937, to Bruce C. and Alta M. Monroe. At the age of 13 his family returned to Midland, Texas, where his father was employed in the oil business. Upon graduation from Midland High School, he attended Texas Christian University where he met his future wife Lee Myra West of Geneseo, Illinois. Following graduation, Bruce attended the University of Texas-School of Law. After receiving his law degree in 1963, he and Lee with their young daughter moved to Juneau where they lived for the next eighteen years along with their son who was born the following year. Bruce's love of the outdoors was a deciding factor in their choice to move to the new state with its abundant hunting and fishing opportunities.

Bruce's career included serving as Deputy Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Labor. In 1967 he was appointed to serve as the Presiding District Court Judge for the First Judicial District. He served in that position for 8 years. During that time he was also active in local community projects such as the Fish and Game Advisory Board and serving as president of the Juneau Hospital Board.

In 1975 Bruce left the bench to become a partner of the law firm of Birch, Horton, Bittner and Monroe. As the managing partner in the Juneau office, he practiced law for the next 6 years before he and Lee decided it was time to return to Texas in 1981.

Upon their return, they began cattle ranching in Blanket, Texas. It was a life they both thoroughly enjoyed. In addition to ranching, Bruce was involved with a family business in Mississippi for which he managed timber and mineral interests in Mississippi and Louisiana for the next thirty years. In 2016 Bruce and Lee moved to Denton to be near their children and grandchildren.