William Terrell Habern
11/17/1938 - 08/09/2023
William Terrell Habern (Bill) was born to Ernest Cecil Habern and Nina Ruth Terrell in Wichita Falls, TX on 11/17/38. He passed away in Houston, TX on 8/9/2023.

He attended North Texas University where he was one of two freshman students to qualify for the 1 O'Clock Lab Band. He transferred to Midwestern University where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History with a minor in Music Composition and Theory. He went on to obtain his Law Degree from Texas Tech University.

He enjoyed a successful 50-year law career as a criminal defense attorney specializing in parole and post-conviction issues. Bill was one of the first attorneys hired in the TDCJ inmate public defender program in the late 1970's. He mentored many young lawyers and was always generous with his time and willingness to pass on his expert knowledge of parole and prison issues.

Bill never sought out awards or recognition, but his actions earned him many distinguished honors including the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association Lifetime Achievement Award, induction into the TCDLA Hall of Fame, and the Matthew J. Plummer Sr. Justice Award for demonstrating "commitment to securing equality for all."

Bill was an avid jazz lover and played the saxophone for the Buddy Brock Orchestra, often leading Buddy's 2nd orchestra. He was also a member of the U of H Downtown Civic Jazz Orchestra for many years. He enjoyed a good joke and was a connoisseur of fine wines, especially Pinot Noir.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Nina Ruth Habern and his infant son, Marvin Habern. He is survived by his wife, Connie Habern, his brother, Glenn Habern (Harriette), his children, daughter - Kim (Bill) Anderson, stepson - Gabe (Kat) Silva, and adopted daughter - Jennifer (Bennie) Harris. He is Pop Pop to four grandchildren and great Pop Pop to two great grandchildren. He leaves behind numerous lifelong friends and associates who along with his family will miss him dearly!

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Bill's name to Texas Voices (texasvoices.org), The American Diabetes Association, and the American Heart Association.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Houston Chronicle on Aug. 13, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for William Habern

Sponsored by National Cremation.

12 Entries

Dick Burr

August 22, 2023

I first met Bill in the late 1990's when I had a client with an execution date and needed to learn more about the inner workings of the TX Board of Pardons and Paroles. Bill made time very quickly to talk with me. That started a 30-year friendship that never faded even though we worked in different realms of criminal defense. On the few occasions I had a parole- or clemency-related question, Bill was always and immediately there for me -- the steady and reliable guide that he was for so many in the TX criminal defense community. Bill was a prince of a human. I loved him like a brother and will miss him, as will the world he made better.

Sue Webster

August 18, 2023

I am so sorry to hear this.. We were high school friends in Wichita Falls. My Mother always enjoyed the times that he would drop by and talk about his latest adventures. I will miss my friend. Sue Corbett Webster

Bob and Helen Morgan

August 15, 2023

I was so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I first met him on a Buddy Brock gig in the early '70s; we quickly discovered many U. of N. Texas mutual connections, and became instant fast friends. I remain hugely appreciative of his support of the H. S. for Perf./Visual Arts jazz program, which I directed for many years.
With love to Connie and his family/close friends...
Bob Morgan

George Barnstone

August 15, 2023

The world has loss a man who helped many, many people. We are less well off.

Angela J Moore

August 14, 2023

I loved Mr. Habern and I had just emailed him a few days before his death. He didn't get back to me, which was odd because he would always call back the next day or so.
I had it on my list to call him this week. God Speed Bill.

Kay & Doug Palmer

August 13, 2023

Mr Habern was my Husbands lawyer and more importantly to us he became a dear, cherished friend. How i will miss our chats, our lives are all the richer for knowing him and having the privledge of calling him our friend.

Robb Fickman

August 12, 2023

Bill Habern was a great lawyer and a friend. He was the father of parole law in Texas. Every criminal defense lawyer in this state knows this. Most of us called Bill for advise on parole matters. He was always generous with his time and knowledge. He was smart, witty and completely down to earth. Bill´s loss is being felt across Texas. We have lost one of our greatest advocates.

Frank Aubuchon

August 12, 2023

My condolences to the Habern family. Bill was a great friend and mentor to me.

Jan Harrell

August 11, 2023

Bill Habern represented me in a parole case, that resulted in me being released from Harris Co. Jail after serving 3 years there. He told me that he was going to have to "pull all the strings of favor to get me out". I was released in three weeks! My life was forever changed! That was 26 years ago, and the anchor still holds. Thank you Mr Bill Habern for playing such an instrumental part of my life
Ever so grateful, Jan Harrell

Roger Donley

August 11, 2023

Very sad day. I heard Bill Habern´s name many many times over the years before I met him. And then I learned why he was so highly regarded. And he was so generous with his time and advice. More than that, he was a lot of fun to be around and hear his stories.

American Heart Association

August 11, 2023

May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.

Randell Vincent Jr

August 11, 2023

I will miss ole Bill. I always enjoyed going over to the house to grill out, drink a little wine, and enjoy some good jazz mixed in with great stories and advice. I considered bill a friend and mentor. He truly marched to his own tune and they definitely broke the mold after him, there will never be another one like him and I know I'll never forget him.

Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results